In: Operations Management
Do you think that the American business environment is currently too heavily regulated? Not enough regulation? About right?
ANS. Many sectors of the business world have long complained about government regulation.Government regulation of the US economy has expanded enormously over the past century, prompting business complaints that interventions impede growth and efficiency.The U.S. government has set many business regulations in place to protect employees' rights, protect the environment and hold corporations accountable for the amount of power they have in this business-driven society. Some of these regulations stand out more significantly than the others because of their relevance to every U.S. employee and consumer.
FIve areas of american government regulation:-
Consumer protection Via Advertising Restrictions
Laws pertaining to marketing and advertising set in motion by the Federal Trade Commission exist to protect consumers and keep companies honest about their products. Every business in the country is required to comply with the truth-in-advertising laws and could face lawsuits for violation.
Employment and Labor Protection
Among the ever-changing regulations in business are employment laws. These laws pertain to minimum wages, benefits, safety and health compliance, work for non-U.S. citizens, working conditions, equal opportunity employment, and privacy regulations – and cover the largest area of subjects of all the business regulations. Several employment regulations stand out as the heavy hitters among the others.
Environmental Impact of Business
The carbon footprint and the effect of businesses on the environment is regulated by the Environmental Protection Agency alongside state agencies. The EPA enforces environmental laws passed by the federal government through educational resources, frequent inspections and local agency accountability.
The Environmental Compliance Assistance Guide exists to help businesses, small and large alike, achieve environmental compliance, and serves as an educational resource more than an enforcer.
Date Security and Privacy Protection
Sensitive information is usually collected from employees and customers during hiring and business transactions, and privacy laws prevent businesses from disclosing this information freely. Information collected can include social security number, address, name, health conditions, credit card and bank numbers and personal history. Not only do various laws exist to keep businesses from spreading this information, but people can sue companies for disclosing sensitive information.
Safety and Health
The Safety and Health Act of 1970 ensures that employers provide safe and sanitary work environments through frequent inspections and a grading scale. A company must meet specific standards in order to stay in business. This regulation has changed frequently throughout the years alongside the changing sanitary and workplace standards.