Chapter Six: Analyzing Cash Flow and Other Financial Information
The Human Development Indexi is a way to measure the standard of living in various
countries. The index is developed by The United Nations Development Program. The
data is based on economic factors and social progress, such as education levels.
1. What factors do you think contribute to high development versus low development?
2. Why do you think the standard of living is better in some countries versus others?
Lecture Link 6.4: Community Stakeholders
(LO 6-1, 6-2, 6-3)
There is no doubt that one of the most important stakeholders in businesses is the
community in which they operate. For example, when Panamanian Airline ordered
737’s from Boeing, a deal worth $1 billionii, the Chicago based company executives
weren’t the only happy ones. Portions of the plane are built in Gresham, Oregon which
could help keep jobs in this area.
On the other hand, a community can suffer when a company isn’t doing well. When
Harley Davidson, Inc announced lower than expected revenues, it also announced it
would be cutting jobs and closing plants in the York, Pennsylvania area, where some of
the motorcycles are built. While on the surface this would only seem to affect those laid
off workers, it can affect everyone in the community. When workers are laid off, they
don’t have money to spend in stores, restaurants and on entertainment, affecting the
entire community.
“Closing these plants will be the worst thing,” says Liviu Hotea, the manager of the
Round the Clock Diner just down the road from the Harley plant. The diner feeds many
plant workers as they head to or off of their shifts. Even tourists stop in before or after
touring the plant. Other businesses believe they will be affected too, since 70% of their
business comes from the plantiii.
Suppliers will also be affected by the plant closings, as Harley Davidson will not need as
many raw materials to produce their products when the plant closes. The idea of
stakeholders being an important part of business decision rings true, whether the news
is positive or negative.
IM 6-9
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