I think this stance tends to be too harsh. The company isn't your friend, but people can be. I've done personal favors for employers that have helped my career in major ways.
You are correct - the company is not your friend. Senior management has a responsibility to look out for the shareholders' interests. They are also human and look out for their own interests. That said, treating people the way you want to be treated has a positive effect on your little corner of the company.
My management treated me well when it was in their power to do so. I survived for 36 years in a company that had multiple downsizings, sometimes 2 a year in the last 15 years. Our workgroup supported each other the best we could. We still get together for lunch periodically. Ross Perot's "great sucking sound of jobs leaving the country" occured on my watch. We just had to deal with it the best we could.
I was much happier and productive when I realized that it was best to be thankful for the good parts of my work and that sometimes you go through situations that suck. That's life...
The company is just made up of people, and so while some of those people can be your friends, oftentimes others have completely selfish aims.
From a position of power you can give and take, but many people pull the bullshit "We are a family" bit to eke out that extra work for no extra pay.