Who is considered a shareholder within a business context?

In a business context, a shareholder is specifically defined as an individual or entity that owns shares or equity in a company. This ownership grants the shareholder a stake in the business, which can include voting rights and the potential to earn dividends. By investing in the business, the shareholder is financially vested in its success and can influence major decision-making processes depending on the amount of shares held.

The other options provided describe roles or associations within a business but do not fulfill the criteria of being a shareholder. An employee working for a salary does not have an ownership stake in the business; they earn a wage for their labor. A family member of the owner may or may not have an ownership interest, but being related does not automatically confer shareholder status. Lastly, a manager overseeing business operations is typically employed by the business and may or may not hold shares; their role is more aligned with operational management rather than ownership. Hence, the definition of a shareholder clearly aligns with the concept of someone who invests in the business.