3. Are there ways that Ben & Jerry’s could have simultaneously pursued their social causes and still maximized shareholder wealth?

There objective was obvious and was clearly seen through every aspect of the business. This is explained in detail below.

Explanation:

One of the ways they achieved their objective was by donating in the corporate resources. Moreover, they donated around 7.5% of their pre-tax earnings to various social groups.

Although their pursue of the social cause and maximise shareholder wealth would be effected due to the declining financial position and rising competition. Their mission statement helped them in maintaining their objective without compromising the others: economics (To keep the company profitable with increased shareholder value and financial & non-financially beneficial for employees) , social (Actively supporting the society by improving the quality of the community as a whole) and products (To deliver the finest quality of natural ice cream).

Due to the weakening in the financial position of the company and rising competition, Ben & Jerry's have maintained their position. However, this might impact their goal to maximise shareholder wealth. In order to survive and grow in to the future Ben & Jerry's would need to imply strategies that would help them earn more revenues. Such as, reducing their expenditure prices, change in the donations made by them or it could even be a combination of both these factors. In a way that their social status and financial stability won't be affected.

the correct answer is b.)