What should be the focus of financial management according to most experts?

The focus of financial management is primarily on maximizing shareholder value. This involves making investment decisions, financial planning, and operational strategies aimed at increasing the worth of the company for its shareholders, which is often measured by stock price increases and dividend payouts.

Maximizing shareholder value takes into consideration the long-term growth of the company, strategic investments, and efficient use of resources, all of which can lead to enhanced profitability. Financial management aims to allocate resources effectively and ensure that the firm is financially healthy, generating returns that exceed the cost of capital, thus benefiting shareholders.

While minimizing expenses, enhancing employee morale, and improving product quality are important aspects of business management, they are often seen as means to support the overarching goal of creating value for shareholders. These elements can influence financial performance and ultimately contribute to shareholder value, but they are not the primary focus of financial management itself. Financial management strategically aligns all financial activities to enhance value for those who hold a stake in the company.