Corporate Governance - External stakeholders

CFA Level II
#1

Schweser states

General public also provides national infrastructure to the firm in exchange for an increased quality of life due to the existence of the firm

What’s the implication/application of this statement?

Does it mean that a firm is obliged to be socially responsible or donate? Becuse I feel any corporate organisation is technically absolved from duty by simply paying their taxes.

Maybe I’m overthinking this unimportant topic - but why is this line (bold) in the text if you can’t apply it or imply anything from it

EDIT: IMO my understanding of the statement implies that general public is in fact not an external stakeholder

#2

The public is always a stakeholder, just not a very important one. So if the question asks “which one is least likely to be a stakeholder in the firm: a) shareholders, b) the general public, c) Mickey Mouse” make sure you don’t pick b)