The controversy surrounding Nike and sweatshop labor is just one example of a broader dilemma that corporations face worldwide. Should businesses exist solely to maximize returns for their shareholders, or do they hold a duty to the workers, communities, and environments that make their operations possible? This debate explores the historical dominance of profit-first capitalism, the rise of corporate social responsibility, and the growing expectation that global brands balance ethical practices with financial performance. It asks whether prioritizing profit at all costs undermines long-term sustainability—or whether focusing on social responsibility risks betraying investors and weakening competitiveness in a global market.