Member-only story

Government as the Largest Shareholder: Understanding Taxation and Economic Dynamics

T.O.M. 黄耀全
4 min readDec 12, 2023

--

In the realm of economics, the concept of government as the largest shareholder of a country might seem unconventional when juxtaposed with the typical understanding of shareholders in the corporate world. However, a deeper analysis reveals a compelling analogy between a government and a shareholder, particularly in terms of taxation and its relationship with businesses operating within its jurisdiction.

When we contemplate the structure of a nation’s economy, it becomes evident that the government exercises an unparalleled influence and authority. One of the primary mechanisms through which the government acquires resources to fund public services, infrastructure, defense, and various other societal needs is taxation. Citizens and corporations within a country contribute a portion of their income or profits to the government as taxes, which, in essence, establishes the government as a key stakeholder in the economic landscape.

Consider the scenario where, on average, 30% of a company’s profits are allocated to taxes. This substantial portion signifies a significant financial obligation that corporations have towards the government. In this context, it becomes apparent that the government, through its tax collection mechanisms, holds a substantial stake in the operations and financial outcomes of businesses. This proportionate claim to a company’s profits can be likened to a form of ownership — akin to shares held by shareholders in a…

--

--

No responses yet