Philanthropic Activity and the Business Career

In analyzing the ways in which acts of philanthropy influence business careers, it is contended that 'philanthropy, most particularly the organization of financial campaigns, is a substantial activity of the successful businessman.' The data come partly from interviews with 70 men who held important positions in the bigger money-raising campaigns of Wellsville, an eastern Canadian city. Other data were obtained from records, newspaper reports, and various biographies of prominent officials. The analysis covers 3 areas: (1) business position and the demands of the financial campaigns; (2) major aspects of the philanthropic career; and (3) background characteristics of individuals holding positions in these campaigns. The data indicate that a relationship exists between the rise of a man to top executive positions in philanthropic campaigns and his rise in the business hierarchy. The campaigns have become controlled by an 'inner circle' of important businessmen. Business firms often find it necessary to engage in philanthropic activity in order to compete with rival firms and for reasons of public relations. Businessmen are encouraged to take an active interest in such campaigns. A close relationship is also reported between club memberships and philanthropic and business careers. At an earlier period, church membership and activities were important for a successful career in business; today activity in philanthropies is the desideratum. The paper presents various aspects of this business, philanthropy, and community prestige relationship and includes numberous illustrative comments taken from the interviews. R. Murphy.