What Does “Altruism” Mean? Altruism refers to the selfless concern for the well-being of others. It’s when a person acts out of genuine care, generosity, or sacrifice without expecting something in return. In business and professional language, altruism isn’t about being naive or neglecting profit. Instead, it describes decisions and actions made with broader human benefit in mind. Examples: “Her altruism was evident in the way she mentored junior staff with