It depends.  In big corporations decisions tend to be made in the best interests of the bosses and to maximize stock prices.  In small businesses, although the best interest of the boss is definitely considered, they tend to make decisions based on what is best for the business.  If the business fails, the boss (owner) and the workers all lose their jobs.  It is actually in the best interest of all that the owners make decisions based on the best interest of the company for this reason.  Sometimes they have to cut costs by firing, cutting hours, or even cutting pay, but this hardship is so the majority can continue making a paycheck.

As a small business owner, I have always taken good care of my employees.  We have always had one or more key employees that make more than us and there have been times when we haven't cashed our paychecks for 6 months straight so we have the cash to pay our employees and keep them employed.  Don't assume the boss is cleaning up and never sacrificing.  You might be surprised.  (Of course this behavior is much more common in small businesses than in big corporate environments) 

 governments, specifically.  

 with governments, almost every decision is made for the good of the politicians, the bureaucrats, and the political donors or friends of the politicians. 

 Not when you add 15 people living in Antartica that own the entire world. The world revolves around them, from what I read. 

 those are the "bosses" Utah Phillips is referring to.