Understanding the environment within which the business has to operate is very important for running a business unit

successfully at any place. Because, the environmental factors influence almost every aspect of business, be it its nature, its location, the prices of products, the distribution system, or the personnel policies. Hence it is important to learn about the various components of the business environment, which consists of the economic aspect, the sociocultural aspects, the political framework, the legal aspects and the technological aspects etc. In this chapter, we shall learn about the concept of business environment, its nature and significance and the various components of the environment. In addition, we shall also acquaint ourselves with the concept of social responsibility of business and business ethics. 3.1 MEANING OF BUSINESS ENVIRONMENT As stated earlier, the success of every business depends on adapting itself to the environment within which it functions. For example, when there is a change in the government polices, Senior Secondary Notes 54 MODULE -3 Business Around Us the business has to make the necessary changes to adapt itself to the new policies. Similarly, a change in the technology may render the existing products obsolete, as we have seen that the introduction of computer has replaced the typewriters; the colour television has made the black and white television out of fashion. Again a change in the fashion or customers taste may shift the demand in the market for a particular product, e.g., the demand for jeans reduced the sale of other traditional wear. All these aspects are external factors that are beyond the control of the business. So the business units must have to adapt themselves to these changes in order to survive and succeed in business. Hence, it is very necessary to have a clear understanding of the concept of business environment and the nature of its various components. The term business environment connotes external forces, factors and institutions that are beyond the control of the business and they affect the functioning of a business enterprise. These include customers, competitors, suppliers, government, and the social, political, legal and technological factors etc. While some of these factors or forces may have direct influence over the business firm, others may operate indirectly. Thus, business environment may be defined as the total surroundings, which have a direct or indirect bearing on the functioning of business. It may also be defined as the set of external factors, such as economic factors, social factors, political and legal factors, demographic factors, technical factors etc., which are uncontrollable in nature and affects the business decisions of a firm. 3.1.1 FEATURES OF BUSINESS ENVIRONMENT On the basis of the above discussion the features of business environment can be summarised as follows. (a) Business environment is the sum total of all factors external to the business firm and that greatly influence their functioning. (b) It covers factors and forces like customers, competitors, suppliers, government, and

the social, cultural, political, technological and legal conditions. Business Decisions Economic Factors Social factors Political Factors Technological Factors Demographic Factors Legal Factors 55 Business Studies Notes MODULE -3 Business Around Us (c) The business environment is dynamic in nature, that means, it keeps on changing. (d) The changes in business environment are unpredictable. It is very difficult to predict the exact nature of future happenings and the changes in economic and social environment. . (e) Business Environment differs from place to place, region to region and country to country. Political conditions in India differ from those in Pakistan. Taste and values cherished by people in India and China vary considerably. 3.1.2 IMPORTANCE OF BUSINESS ENVIRONMENT There is a close and continuous interaction between the business and its environment. This interaction helps in strengthening the business firm and using its resources more effectively. As stated above, the business environment is multifaceted, complex, and dynamic in nature and has a far-reaching impact on the survival and growth of the business. To be more specific, proper understanding of the social, political, legal and economic environment helps the business in the following ways: (a) Determining Opportunities and Threats: The interaction between the business and its environment would identify opportunities for and threats to the business. It helps the business enterprises for meeting the challenges successfully. (b) Giving Direction for Growth: The interaction with the environment leads to opening up new frontiers of growth for the business firms. It enables the business to identify the areas for growth and expansion of their activities. (c) Continuous Learning: Environmental analysis makes the task of managers easier in dealing with business challenges. The managers are motivated to continuously update their knowledge, understanding and skills to meet the predicted changes in realm of business. (d) Image Building: Environmental understanding helps the business organisations in improving their image by showing their sensitivity to the environment within which they are working. For example, in view of the shortage of power, many companies have set up Captive Power Plants (CPP) in their factories to meet their own requirement of

power. (e) Meeting Competition: It helps the firms to analyse the competitors strategies and formulate their own strategies accordingly. (f) Identifying Firms Strength and Weakness: Business environment helps to identify the individual strengths and weaknesses in view of the technological and global developments.

3.2 TYPES OF BUSINESS ENVIRONMENT

3.2.1 ECONOMIC ENVIRONMENT

The survival and success of each and every business enterprise depend fully on its economic environment. The main factors that affect the economic environment are: (a) Economic Conditions: The economic conditions of a nation refer to a set of economic factors that have great influence on business organisations and their operations. These include gross domestic product, per capita income, markets for goods and services, availability of capital, foreign exchange reserve, growth of foreign trade, strength of capital market etc. All these help in improving the pace of economic growth. (b) Economic Policies: All business activities and operations are directly influenced by the economic policies framed by the government from time to time. Some of the important economic policies are: (i) Industrial policy (ii) Fiscal policy (iii) Monetary policy (iv) Foreign investment policy (v) Export Import policy (Exim policy)
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Business Around Us

The government keeps on changing these policies from time to time in view of the developments taking place in the economic scenario, political expediency and the changing requirement. Every business firm has to function strictly within the policy framework and respond to the changes therein. Important Economic Policies (i) Industrial policy: The Industrial policy of the government covers all those principles, policies, rules, regulations and procedures, which direct and control the industrial enterprises of the country and shape the pattern of industrial development. (ii) Fiscal policy: It includes government policy in respect of public expenditure, taxation and public debt. (iii) Monetary policy: It includes all those activities and interventions that aim at smooth supply of credit to the business and a boost to trade and industry. (iv) Foreign investment policy: This policy aims at regulating the inflow of foreign investment in various sectors for speeding up industrial development and take advantage of the modern technology. (v) ExportImport policy (Exim policy): It aims at increasing exports and bridge the gap between expert and import. Through this policy, the government announces various duties/levies. The focus now-a-days lies on removing barriers and controls and lowering the custom duties. (c) Economic System: The world economy is primarily governed by three types of economic systems, viz., (i) Capitalist economy; (ii) Socialist economy; and (iii) Mixed economy. India has adopted the mixed economy system which implies coexistence of public sector and private sector.

3.2.2 NON-ECONOMIC ENVIRONMENT

The various elements of non-economic environment are as follow: (a) Social Environment The social environment of business includes social factors like customs, traditions, values, beliefs, poverty, literacy, life expectancy rate etc. The social structure and the values that a society cherishes have a considerable influence on the functioning of business firms. For example, during festive seasons there is an increase in the demand for new clothes, sweets,

fruits, flower, etc. Due to increase in literacy rate the consumers are becoming more conscious of the quality of the products. Due to change in family composition, more nuclear families with single child concepts have come up. This increases the demand for the different types of household goods. It may be noted that the consumption patterns, the dressing and living styles of people belonging to different social structures and culture vary significantly.
Capitalist Economy: Emphasis on private ownership. Socialist Economy: Resources are owned and managed by the state. Mixed Economy: Co-existence of public and private sectors. Senior Secondary Notes

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(b) Political Environment This includes the political system, the government policies and attitude towards the business community and the unionism. All these aspects have a bearing on the strategies adopted by the business firms. The stability of the government also influences business and related activities to a great extent. It sends a signal of strength, confidence to various interest groups and investors. Further, ideology of the political party also influences the business organisation and its operations. You may be aware that Coca-Cola, a cold drink widely used even now, had to wind up operations in India in late seventies. Again the trade union activities also influence the operation of business enterprises. Most of the labour unions in India are affiliated to various political parties. Strikes, lockouts and labour disputes etc.

also adversely affect the business operations. However, with the competitive business environment, trade unions are now showing great maturity and started contributing positively to the success of the business organisation and its operations through workers participation in management. (c) Legal Environment This refers to set of laws, regulations, which influence the business organisations and their operations. Every business organisation has to obey, and work within the framework of the law. The important legislations that concern the business enterprises include: (i) Companies Act, 1956 (ii) Foreign Exchange Management Act, 1999 (iii) The Factories Act, 1948 (iv) Industrial Disputes Act, 1972 (v) Payment of Gratuity Act, 1972 (vi) Industries (Development and Regulation) Act, 1951 (vii) Prevention of Food Adulteration Act, 1954 (viii) Essential Commodities Act, 2002 (ix) The Standards of Weights and Measures Act, 1956 (x) Monopolies and Restrictive Trade Practices Act, 1969 (xi) Trade Marks Act, 1999 (xii) Bureau of Indian Standards Act, 1986 (xiii) Consumer Protection Act, 1986 (xiv) Environment Protection Act (xv) Competition Act, 2002 Besides, the above legislations, the following are also form part of the legal environment of business.
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(i) Provisions of the Constitution: The provisions of the Articles of the Indian Constitution, particularly directive principles, rights and duties of citizens, legislative powers of the central and state government also influence the operation of business enterprises. (ii) Judicial Decisions: The judiciary has to ensure that the legislature and the government

function in the interest of the public and act within the boundaries of the constitution. The various judgments given by the court in different matters relating to trade and industry also influence the business activities. (d) Technological Environment Technological environment include the methods, techniques and approaches adopted for production of goods and services and its distribution. The varying technological environments of different countries affect the designing of products. For example, in USA and many other countries electrical appliances are designed for 110 volts. But when these are made for India, they have to be of 220 volts. In the modern competitive age, the pace of technological changes is very fast. Hence, in order to survive and grow in the market, a business has to adopt the technological changes from time to time. It may be noted that scientific research for improvement and innovation in products and services is a regular activity in most of the big industrial organisations. Now a days infact, no firm can afford to persist with the outdated technologies. (e) Demographic Environment This refers to the size, density, distribution and growth rate of population. All these factors have a direct bearing on the demand for various goods and services. For example a country where population rate is high and children constitute a large section of population, then there is more demand for baby products. Similarly the demand of the people of cities and towns are different than the people of rural areas. The high rise of population indicates the easy availability of labour. These encourage the business enterprises to use labour intensive techniques of production. Moreover, availability of skill labour in certain areas motivates the firms to set up their units in such area. For example, the business units from America, Canada, Australia, Germany, UK, are coming to India due to easy availability of skilled manpower. Thus, a firm that keeps a watch on the changes on the demographic

front and reads them accurately will find opportunities knocking at its doorsteps. (f) Natural Environment The natural environment includes geographical and ecological factors that influence the business operations. These factors include the availability of natural resources, weather and climatic condition, location aspect, topographical factors, etc. Business is greatly influenced by the nature of natural environment. For example, sugar factories are set up only at those places where sugarcane can be grown. It is always considered better to establish manufacturing unit near the sources of input. Further, governments policies to maintain ecological balance, conservation of natural resources etc. put additional responsibility on the business sector. The economic environment of business in India has been changing at a fast rate mainly due to the changes in the economic policies of the government. At the time of independence, the Indian economy was basically agrarian with a weak industrial base. To speed up the industrial growth and solve various economic problems, the government took several steps like state ownership on certain categories of industries, economic planning, reduced role of private sector, etc. The Government adopted several control measures on the functioning of private sector enterprises. All these efforts resulted a mixed response. There was growth in net national product, per capita income and development of capital goods sector and infrastructure. But rate of industrial growth was slow, inflation increased and government faced a serious foreign exchange crisis during eighties. As a result, the government of India introduced a radical change in economic policies in 1991. This policy abolished industrial licensing in most of the cases, allowed private participation in most industries, disinvestment was carried out in many public sector industrial enterprises and opened up the economy considerably. Foreign Investment Promotion Board was set up to channelise foreign capital

investment in India. Let us discuss the developments under three heads, viz., (a) Liberalisation, (b) Privatisation, and (c) Globalisation.

(A) LIBERALISATION

Liberalisation refers to the process of eliminating unnecessary controls and restrictions on the smooth functioning of business enterprises. It includes: (i) abolishing industrial licensing requirement in most of the industries; (ii) freedom in deciding the scale of business activities;.
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(iii) freedom in fixing prices of goods and services; (iv) simplifying the procedure for imports and exports; (v) reduction in tax rates; and (vi) simplified policies to attract foreign capital and technology to India. Through this liberalisation process, Indian Economy has opened up and started interacting with the world in a big way. This has resulted in easy entry of foreign business organisations in India. This has further resulted in stiff competition and efficiency. Ultimately, liberalisation has helped us in achieving a high growth rate, easy availability of goods at competitive rates, a healthy and flourishing stock market, high foreign exchange reserve, low inflation rate, strong rupee, good industrial relations, etc.

(B) PRIVATISATION

Privatisation refers to reducing the role of public sector by involving the private sectors in most activities. Due to the policy reforms announced in 1991, the expansion of public sector has literally come to a halt and the private sector registered fast growth in the postliberalised period. The issues of privatisation include: (i) reduction in the number of industries reserved for the public sector from 17 to 8 (reduced further to 3 later on) and the introduction of selective competition in the reserved area; (ii) disinvestment of shares of selected public sector industrial enterprises in order to raise resources and to encourage wider participation of general public and workers in the ownership in business;

(iii) improvement in performance through an MOU system by which managements are to be granted greater autonomy but held accountable for specified results. In India, as a result of these steps, the post liberalisation phase has witnessed a massive expansion of the private sector business in India. You can have an idea of their expansion from the fact that the total capital employed in top 500 private sector companies rose from Rs. 1,39,806 crores in 1992-93 to Rs. 2, 34, 751 crores in 1994-95 (an expansion of 68% in just two years).

(C) GLOBALISATION

Globalisation means integrating the economy of a country with the world economy. This implies free flow of goods and services, capital, technology and labour across national boundaries. To achieve these objectives of globalisation, the government has adopted various measures such as reduction in custom duties, removal of quantitative restrictions or quotas on exports and imports, facilitating foreign investment and encouragement of foreign technology. These measures are expected to achieve a higher rate of growth, enlargement of employment potential, and reduction of regional disparities.