What is the role of profit within market economy?
1. Investment in Research & Development. This leads to better technology and dynamic efficiency. This profit is particularly important for some industries such as oil exploration and car manufacture. Without this investment the economy will stagnate and lose international competitiveness, leading to job losses in some sectors.2. Reward for Shareholders.Shareholders are given dividends. Higher profit leads to higher dividends and encourages people to buy shares. Shareholders are an important source of finance for firms. Profit is important to be able to renumerate shareholders.3. High Profit should Attract New Firms into the industry.For example, the high price of oil and hence profits for oil companies should encourage firms to develop new oil fields. This assumes the market is contestable and new firms can actually enter.4. Risk Bearing EconomiesProfit can be saved and provide insurance for an unexpected downturn, such as recession or rapid appreciation in the exchange rate.5. Tax Revenues.Governments charge corporation tax on company profits and this provides several billion pound of tax revenue per year. In UK the corporation tax rate is 20%