Which stakeholder group holds ownership rights in a company?

• A. Shareholders
• B. Society
• C. Employees
• D. Customers

Answer: (A)

Ownership rights in a company belong to shareholders—those who own the company’s shares. Owning shares gives you a financial stake in the business, a claim on profits (through dividends) and, in most cases, a right to vote on major questions and to elect the board of directors. If the company is wound up, shareholders are entitled to a share of remaining assets after creditors are paid. Other groups like society, employees, and customers have important interests in how the business operates, but they do not own the company unless they hold shares. Ownership is specifically tied to share ownership, not just to being a stakeholder in a broader sense.