Explain with examples, the various dimensions of business environment.

The following are the dimensions of business environment.

i. Economic Environment: It comprises of the economic variables such as interest rates, income, stock market indices that affect the functioning of the enterprises. For example, an increase in the income of the consumers increases the demand for goods and services of the enterprises. Similarly, a fall in the interest rates for loans for consumer durables increases the spending capacity and thereby, increases the demand for such products. 

ii. Social Environment: Social environment refers to the social forces such as customs, traditions, social values, social trend etc. For example, religious celebrations provide business opportunities to many enterprises such as those producing sweets, decoration items, etc. Similarly, in India a change in social trend towards western lifestyle has increased the demand for western wear, fast food, etc.

iii. Technological Environment: Technological environment comprises of the technological changes and improvements. For example, introduction of computers, internet, have changed the way organisations work today. Similarly, continuous improvement and innovations in the technology used in the production improves the quality of production. While on one hand, improvement in technology provides new business opportunities for the enterprises, on the other hand, is a threat for the enterprises using obsolete technology.

iv. Legal Environment: It refers to the legislation and rules passed by the government such as the Companies Act, Trade union Act, etc. Knowledge of these legislation is essential for enterprises as their non-compliance can lead to legal trouble for them. For example, an export-import company in India has to follow the rules and regulations as stated under the EXIM policy and the Foreign Trade (Development and Regulation) Act, 1992. Similarly, the refining, processing, distribution, sale of petroleum, petroleum products is governed by the Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board Act, 2006.

v. Political Environment: Political environment comprises of political conditions such as peace and stability, law and order, etc. For example, a situation of political unrest such as frequent change in the ruling government implies a change in the rules and policies of the government regarding production and manufacturing. Such a frequent change in the regulations regarding production discourages investment. Similarly, the opening up of our economy under the New Economic Policy in 1991, provided business opportunity to many foreign companies.