I found an interesting etymology in a book I am reading now.(The Company . A short history of a revolutionary idea.) The english word "company" comes from the Italien word compagnia. This word is a compound of two latin words (cum and panis) meaning " breaking bread together". "Given that the punishment for bankruptcy could be imprisionment or even servitude , it was vital that all the members of the organization should trust each other absolutely." The company was a sort of family. If this was really true, it is safe to say that some things have really changed over time.