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About this quote

What does it mean?
Without legitimate organization, corporate power will be seized by central government.
In plain terms
Illegitimate corporate power invites government takeover.
What can you take from it?
Legitimize corporate authority to prevent state capture.

Where it applies

  • policy debates
  • corporate restructuring
  • public‑private partnership discussions

Putting it to work

  • adopt clear governance frameworks
  • ensure stakeholder representation
  • maintain transparent decision processes

Questions to consider

  • When is government takeover justified?
  • How can corporations maintain legitimacy without over‑regulation?

Another view

Government intervention can also be a protective measure against corporate abuse.

More from Peter F. Drucker

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  3. No society can function as a society, unless it gives the individual member social status and function, and unless the decisive social power is legitimate. -- …

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