What term refers to businesses' efforts to regulate themselves to avoid government intervention?

The correct term that refers to businesses' efforts to regulate themselves to avoid government intervention is self-regulation. This process involves companies implementing their own guidelines, practices, and standards to govern their activities in a way that is ethical, responsible, and compliant with societal expectations. Through self-regulation, businesses aim to enhance their credibility and avoid the need for external government oversight or legislation, which can sometimes be more stringent.

Self-regulation can manifest in various forms, such as establishing industry standards, adhering to ethical codes, and engaging in voluntary compliance initiatives. By proactively managing their practices, companies can build trust with consumers and stakeholders while contributing positively to the community.

In contrast, corporate social responsibility focuses on a company's ethical obligations and contributions to society, which is broader than just self-regulation. A social contract refers to an implicit agreement among members of a society regarding their rights and duties, which does not specifically pertain to business practices. Government intervention describes actions taken by governmental bodies to regulate or control the behaviors of businesses, making it the opposite of self-regulation.