Nature and Structure of Business Environment

Contents A.Introduction, Definition and Nature The International Environment A.Macro Environment Domestic macro Environment C. Micro Environment External Public Relation Environment Internal Environment D. Significance of Business Environment

Environment
The term environment refers to the totality of all the factors which are external to and beyond the control of individual business enterprises and their management.

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It differs not only over space but also over time within a country. Future environment is the product of past and present environments. It can be classified into economic and non economic factors.

Business Environment
Business Environment is the resultant of a number of interacting and constantly changing social and economic forces that affect a business either internally or externally. Thus, it is necessary for every business to comprehend the nature and structure of business environment and factors causing change in it. Business Environment for a firm is a multi layered structure, where some layers are favorable and some are adverse.

Definition
According to Arthur M. Weimer, Business Environment is the climate or set of conditions- Economic, Social, political or Institutional in which business operations are conducted.

Nature of Business Environment

Interdependent Dynamic Uncertain Unlimited effect of uncontrollable factors Keep a regular vigil on changing environment

Different layers of Business Environment

Public Relation Environment Domestic macro Environment

Internal Environment of the firm

International Environment

Macro Environment International Environment

Most volatile and Dynamic Change in Exchange Rate State of world Economy (Ex . Recession) Interdependence between National International Economic Policies International Economic laws

and

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Major Events affecting International Environment in the past years:
o Formation of WTO in 1995 and ratification of the earlier agreements on trade and related issues. (removal of import restrictions) o Emergence of European Union and intro of Euro as common currency o Increase in number of free trade areas (NAFTA). o Presence of MNCs the world over.

Risks involved in International Environment

Political Risk: emanating from Political instability, changes in government, possibility of confiscation (elimination, subtraction), nationalization. Country Risk: It is basically concerned with the performance of an economy. e.g. changes in competitive environment, Fiscal deficit and internal debt growth etc. Cultural Risk: affecting consumer attitude towards foreign goods and changes in fashions, tastes and preferences.

Macro Environment Domestic Macro Environment

Domestic Macro Environment Economic Environment Economic System Growth and Distribution Macro Economic Stability Economic policy Competitive Environment Non Economic Environment Political Legal Cultural Demographic

Domestic Macro Environment-Economic Environment

1.)Economic System
Economic System is a way in which a society is organized to decide 3 basic questions What to produce and in what quantities? How to produce? For whom to produce? It provides the framework in which an economy operates. It reflects the economic thinking of a country.

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Major Economic Systems: Capitalist economic system
A system which encourages private enterprises, free play of market forces. The factors of production are privately owned and production occurs at the initiative of the private enterprise Government plays little role in economic decision making. Ex. USA, Canada, Australia and almost all Developed countries.

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Socialist Market Economy Productive resources are organized, owned and manage by govt. but resource allocation, production and distribution decisions are based on the principle of Market. Govt. control and ownership. Emphasis on equality of income. Ex. China

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Mixed Economy None of the two elements (Market and Government) has dominating presence. Co existence of both the public and private sectors. Freedom of selection of profession, employment and trade. Ex. India and most other developing Countries Role of Government is both regulatory and developmental.

Domestic Macro Environment-Economic Environment 2.)Growth and Distribution Environment

Economic Growth refers to increase in real out put over a period of time (usually a year). Measures of real output-GDP, NDP, NY, Disposable Income

GDP

C+I+G+(X-M)

NDP NY DY

GDP- Depreciation NDP- Net Indirect Taxes NY- Direct taxes

Domestic Macro Environment-Economic Environment

3.)Macro Economic Stability

Stability of Price level Exchange Rate Money Supply Aggregate Demand Balance of Payment Employment Rate All these variables are interdependent and interactive and one variable has the potential to upset the other.

Domestic Macro Environment-Economic Environment4.)Economic Policy

It refers to govt. policy towards economy as a whole. Basic objective-maintain growth, economic stability, increase employment, stabilize BOP, correct regional imbalance, make economy more competitive. The effect of these policies may be favorable for some categories of business or unfavorable for some other categories of business. e.g. incentives and subsidies.

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Components of Economic Policy
Monetary Policy
It refers to all actions of central bank which affects directly or indirectly supply of money, rate of interest and Banking system. Affect cost and availability of credit.

Fiscal Policy
Concerned with the use of taxes and government expenditure.

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Components of Economic Policy
Industrial Policy
promotes industrialization Correcting regional balances Developing sectoral linkages Promoting Export, Import Substitution. Affect cost and availability of credit.

Trade Policy
Improve terms of trade Enhance export competitiveness

Domestic Macro Environment-Economic Environment-

5.)Competitive Environment
State of competition spells out
freedom of entry and exit in the market Price Scale of output

Decides on Competitive strategies.

Trust- Cartel Formation-mutual business Predatory Pricing-Charging less prices initially so that others move out of the market. Once Monopoly or Oligopoly is attained, raise the prices Price Discrimination

Domestic Macro Environment-Non Economic Environment

1.) Political Environment Whenever there is a change
in the political scenerio of a country there will be a change in economic policies. E.g international political relations (war)

2.) Legal Environment - Provides a sense of security and

safety, code of conduct, leave away black marketing, tax evasion, gray markets, insider trading etc. Ex. Consumer Protection Act, Patent (manufacturing goods/processes), Copyright.

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3.) Cultural Environment Culture is a set of socially accepted and shared traditional beliefs, values and customs. Plays important role in after sale services, Industrial relations, customer relationship and overall HRM e.g. wedding dress, burger etc.

4.) Demographic
Population density, gender ratio (male-female ratio), Age, Composition, life expectancy. Helps in market segmentation and Product Positioning

Micro Environment
Public Relations Environment Internal Environment

Micro Environment-Public

Relations Environment
Customers Distribution Channels

Suppliers

Rivals

Others

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Suppliers - provides inputs on regular basis, ensure reasonable price, appropriate quality, fairness in dealing, rational delivery terms and Timely schedules. All these add to the firms competitiveness in the market. Customers- Organization exists for the customer and all activities must be customer focused. Firms should focus on Customer Relationship Management.

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Distribution Channel Members- they are the link between firms and customers. The channel member must thoroughly understand the products competitive advantage and values and conveys the right message down the channel up to the customer. Rivals- Firm competes with its rivals on price, quality, packaging, delivery, after sale services etc.

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Other entities- Local Population Groups, Human Right Activists, Anti-Pollution campaigners, consumer protection groups, Government etc. All these helps firm gain better image in society.

Micro Environment-Internal

Environment

Mission and Vision Management Philosophy and strategy Industrial relations Corporate culture and values Quality control system Job design and coordination Compensation system and career progression of employees Team spirit among employees

Significance of Studying Business Environment

For Incorporating Dynamic behaviour To have complete knowledge of Internal Environment To understand international events To face business problems and challenges Keeps a Vigilance regarding dangers For Scientific and Industrial advantage For Overall success of business

Conclusion
Careful Monitoring and Analysis of Business Environment helps a firm to do effective business planning and decision making.

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