An organisation says that environmental rules increase cost and therefore should be ignored. What is the correct response?

Correct answer: Wrong, because social objectives and legal responsibility may outweigh cost

The governing concept is that a business must pursue profit while also fulfilling social and legal responsibilities. Environmental rules protect public health, natural resources and the interests of present and future communities. Ignoring them merely to save cost can cause pollution, legal penalties, loss of reputation and harm to long-term survival. Hence option A is correct: cost is relevant to efficiency, but it cannot automatically override lawful and socially responsible conduct. Option B is wrong because cost is not the only objective. Option C denies the direct connection between environment and society. Option D is also wrong because profit remains necessary for continuity, investment and survival; responsible conduct does not mean rejecting profit.