Selfbenefiting

Selfbenefiting is a term used to describe actions, decisions, or policies that primarily aim to produce personal gain for the actor, rather than for others or the common good. The concept is neutral and can apply to individuals, organizations, and institutions. Selfbenefiting includes choices that maximize personal utility, profit, or status, often through efficiency, negotiation, or strategic behavior.

In economics and game theory, self-benefit is an assumption about rational actors seeking to maximize their own payoff. In ethics, discussions focus on the legitimacy and boundaries of self-benefiting conduct, weighing personal interests against duties to others, fairness, and social norms. Such actions can also generate positive externalities or be neutral; they can be harmful if pursued without regard to others.

Critics argue that prioritizing self-benefit can erode trust, increase inequality, or encourage opportunism. Proponents contend that well-aligned self-interest can promote social efficiency when incentives encourage beneficial outcomes for a broad group.

Examples include negotiating favorable terms, pursuing advantageous contracts, or adopting routines that boost productivity. In organizations, strategies that increase value while treating stakeholders reasonably are often described as balancing self-benefit with stakeholder interests.

Related concepts include selfishness, altruism, rational choice theory, and incentive compatibility.