Write and submit a page paper that evaluates how business and societal trends impact leadership decisions in your chosen company. Base your evaluation on information from your company research in the eight contexts important for leading a business:
1. Identify and describe the selected company’s business and societal trends. Include specific examples and evidence.
An example of a company’s business trend: The company’s vision is to become a global leader in innovative technology that improves people’s lives.
An example of a company’s societal trend: To lead the fashion industry in sustainability, the company is fostering a more equitable and eco-conscious future.
2. Identify and describe the historical evolution of business and societal trends in your selected company. Include specific examples and evidence of how the trends have changed over time.
An example of a company’s historical evolution in business trends: Apple was founded in April 1976 in Cupertino, California. The company’s first product, the Apple 1 computer, was introduced. Apple established itself as a pioneer in the personal computer industry with user-friendly products and a unique graphical user interface.
An example of a company’s historical evolution in societal trends: Ben & Jerry’s is an ice cream company known for its commitment to social and environmental causes. It was founded by Ben Cohen and Jerry Greenfield in 1978 in Burlington, Vermont. The company’s social mission from the beginning was to incorporate a strong social mission with a focus on using its business to make a positive impact on the community.
Identify the political events that affected the leadership of the company. Be specific with examples and evidence. 1. An example of a company’s political events that affected the leadership of the business: The Enron scandal in the early 2000s led Enron’s top executives, including Chairman and CEO Ken Lay and President Jefferey Skilling, to resign.
4. Explain how company leadership responded to economic and financial challenges that affected the company. Include specific examples and evidence.
An example of a company’s response to economic and financial challenges: The 2008 global financial crisis (GFC) was a severe worldwide economic crisis that was triggered by the collapse of Lehman Brothers, a major investment bank. The GFC resulted in a deep recession in many countries, financial market turmoil, and widespread economic hardship. The company responded by implementing cost-cutting measures. This included layoffs, reducing nonessential expenses, and optimizing operations for efficiency. The business further responded by diversifying its product lines and expanding into new markets to reduce the reliance on specific industries or regions that were particularly affected by the crisis.
5. Describe how company leadership responded to social and cultural events that affected the company. Include specific examples and evidence.