THE ESSENCE OF PROFIT AND ITS FORMATION FOR ENTERPRISES IN MODERN CONDITIONS: A STRATEGIC ASPECT

Abstract

The purpose of the research is to systematize the essence of profit in its modern interpretation and to develop an effective strategic approach to enterprise profit management under conditions of uncertainty. The relevance of the topic is determined by the underdevelopment of a comprehensive approach to profit assessment, the necessity to account for modern factors influencing its formation, and the imperfection of existing strategic profit management mechanisms in conditions of market instability. The article provides a comprehensive analysis of the evolution of scholarly views on the economic nature of profit - from the classical theories of Adam Smith, David Ricardo, and Jean-Baptiste Say to the modern concepts of the neoclassical school represented by Alfred Marshall, John Maynard Keynes, and Friedrich Hayek. Particular attention is paid to the analysis of the development of domestic scientific thought regarding this category. The study proves the absence of a unified methodological approach to defining the economic essence of profit, which significantly complicates the formation of an effective management mechanism in modern conditions. Based on the conducted research, an innovative strategic profit management mechanism is proposed, integrating three interrelated approaches: strategic, organizational, and systemic. The strategic approach ensures the long-term orientation of management decisions, the organizational approach optimizes internal processes, and the systemic approach provides comprehensive coverage of all aspects of the enterprise's activities. Particular value lies in the emphasis on a factor-based model of profitability management, which is implemented through six sequential stages - from the identification of influencing factors to monitoring the effectiveness of taken measures and adjusting the management strategy. As promising directions for improving the profit management system, the following are proposed: the implementation of design thinking to stimulate innovation activity, the development of integrated risk and revenue management, and the implementation of sustainable development principles. It is substantiated that increasing profitability is achieved both through the optimization of key enterprise performance indicators and through the fundamental improvement of management tactics and strategies, which is particularly relevant in the context of modern economic uncertainty.