“Business conventions show how many people a company can operate without”

“Business conventions are important because they demonstrate how many people a company can operate without” is a jocular saying that has been included in many collections of humorous quotations. The saying has been cited in print since at least 1998, when it was credited to “Anonymous.”
 
American economist John Kenneth Galbraith (1908-2006) has been credited with the saying since at least 1999, but no source has ever been identified.
 
   
Google Books
The 1st Book
By Gordon Bell
Toronto, ON: Turner Books
1998
Pg. 128:
Business conventions are important because they demonstrate how many people a company can operate without.
Anonymous
 
Google Books
The American Legion
Volumes 146-147
April 1999
Pg. ?:
Business conventions are important because they demonstrate how many people a company can operate without.—John Kenneth Galbraith
 
Google Books
The World’s Greatest Wacky One-Line Jokes
By Bob Phillips
Eugene, OR: Harvest House Publishers
2005
Pg. 27:
Conventions
Business conventions are important because they demonstrate how many people a company can operate without. — J. K. Galbraith
   
Google Books
The Snark Handbook:
A Reference Guide to Verbal Sparring
By Lawrence Dorfman  
New York, NY: Skyhorse Publishing
2009
Pg. ?:
Business conventions are important because they demonstrate how many people a company can operate without.
 
Google Books
Great Funny Quotes:
Sweeten Your Life with Laughter
By David Young
Round Rock, TX: Wind Runner Press
2011
Pg. 72:
Business conventions are important because they demonstrate how many people a company can operate without. — John Kenneth Galbraith
 
Twitter
BBBMetroAtlanta
‏@BBBAtlanta
#BBB “Business conventions are important because they demonstrate how many people a company can operate without.” - Anonymous
12:34 PM - 19 Sep 2014
 
Curated Quotes
THE 68 FUNNIEST QUOTES ABOUT WORK
Curated by:
Tammy Lamoureux
Last updated: 02/10/15
(...)
Business conventions are important because they demonstrate how many people a company can operate without.
-Unknown