businessman

A businessman is a person who participates in commercial or industrial activities, typically as an owner, manager, or executive of a business enterprise. The term has historically referred to men, but in modern usage it is often replaced by gender-neutral terms such as businessperson or entrepreneur.

Common roles of a businessman include identifying opportunities, organizing capital and resources, making strategic decisions, negotiating contracts, overseeing operations, and supervising employees. Businessmen may run small, family-owned enterprises or lead large corporations, and their activities may be conducted domestically or across international markets. Risk management and profitability are often central concerns.

The concept emerged with the expansion of markets and the industrial economy. During the Industrial Revolution and the rise of corporate capitalism, businessmen were central figures in commerce, finance, and production. The role has evolved with changes in corporate governance, globalization, and regulation, and it now encompasses a wide range of industries and organizational forms.

Related terms include merchant, industrialist, entrepreneur, executive, and capitalist. The modern vocabulary increasingly favors gender-neutral expressions such as businessperson, though the traditional term remains in common use in some contexts.

Ethical considerations, corporate governance, risk, and social impact are common topics in discussions about businessmen. The role emphasizes individual agency within wider economic systems, while recognizing that modern business success typically depends on collaboration, teams, and institutional frameworks.