Business Environment

Designed specifically for students new to the study of business, this book gives context to the subject in the range of environments in which business operates. Part One introduces the environments through the well-used "PESTLE" framework; this structure ensures that the core political, economic, socio-cultural, technological, legal and environmental influences on business are fully covered. A range of themes is clearly presented in each chapter to ensure this approach does not over-simplify the presentation of the business environment. These themes are designed to demonstrate to the reader that business is diverse and complex and there are many inter-relationships between the environments. The themes also outline the factors which influence business, for example the diversity of business, the complexity of the external environment, and the interaction between business and its environment. Part Two departs from the PESTLE framework and focuses on a range of contemporary issues relevant to each environment; this enables the reader to access the theory through lively current debates. These include the changing public sector, corporate social responsibility and ethics, globalization, and work-life balance. There are interesting short cases and examples throughout, as well as a longer case study at the end of each chapter; cases include the Nintendo Wii, BlackBerry, Nike, eBay, Nokia, EasyJet, Toyota, and the 2012 Olympics. The analytical approach the text takes, showing different opinions and perspectives and challenging key issues, will stimulate lively discussion and debate.