The definition of "company" varies depending on the context and the author's perspective. It can be a legal entity, a group of people, or even a feeling. Here are some definitions from different authors:
Legal Definitions:
* Black's Law Dictionary: "An association of two or more persons to carry on as co-owners a business for profit."
* United States Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC): "A business organization that has been incorporated under the laws of a state or federal government."
* European Union: "A legal entity that is distinct from its members and has its own rights and obligations."
Economic Definitions:
* Adam Smith (The Wealth of Nations): "A group of individuals who join together to produce goods or services for a profit."
* Milton Friedman: "A group of individuals who come together to achieve a common goal, typically to make a profit."
Social Definitions:
* Max Weber: "A formal organization with a hierarchical structure and a clear division of labor."
* Emile Durkheim: "A social group that shares common interests and values."
* Robert Putnam (Bowling Alone): "The sum of the informal social interactions and relationships that people have with one another."
Literary Definitions:
* Shakespeare: "A group of people who are together for a specific purpose, such as a play or a performance."
* Jane Austen: "A group of people who are together for social reasons, such as a ball or a dinner party."
* Charles Dickens: "A group of people who are together for work, such as a factory or a shop."
Modern Definitions:
* Peter Drucker: "A group of people who are organized to achieve a common goal."
* Henry Mintzberg: "A system of interlocking activities that are designed to achieve a common purpose."
* Gary Hamel: "A collective of individuals who are bound together by a shared purpose and a sense of collective responsibility."
Beyond the definitions, here are some additional considerations:
* Size: Companies can range in size from small, family-owned businesses to large multinational corporations.
* Structure: Companies can be structured in a variety of ways, including sole proprietorships, partnerships, corporations, and cooperatives.
* Purpose: Companies can be created for a variety of purposes, including profit, social good, or a combination of both.
In conclusion, the definition of "company" is multifaceted and depends on the context in which it is used. It can be a legal entity, a group of people, or even a feeling. However, all definitions share the common thread of a group of individuals coming together to achieve a common purpose.