Which of the following is NOT a purpose of business regulation?

To understand why maximizing profit for businesses is not considered a purpose of business regulation, it's important to recognize the primary objectives that regulations are designed to achieve. Business regulations are typically put in place to protect the public interest, enhance opportunities for fair competition, and address externalities, such as pollution or public health risks that result from business activities.

Regulations aim to ensure that businesses operate in a manner that is safe, equitable, and socially responsible. For instance, they establish standards for consumer protection, environmental conservation, and workplace safety. While businesses certainly seek to be profitable, regulation is not intended to serve that specific goal. Instead, regulations are focused on ensuring that the actions of businesses do not harm individuals or society as a whole.

Therefore, stating that maximizing profit is a purpose of business regulation misrepresents the fundamental role of regulation in balancing the interests of various stakeholders, maintaining fair competition, and ensuring accountability in business operations.