Direction: Read the following text and answer the questions given below:

As the government has opened up its economy to Multinational Corporations, it has encouraged foreign companies to invest in some sectors of retailing. It has also put in place new rules and regulations for FDI (Foreign Direct Investment) in the retail sector. The FDI policy allows foreign investment through two modes. It may be either under the ‘automatic route’ or under the ‘approval route’ where prior approval of the Indian Government is required for any foreign investment in an Indian company which is carrying on retailing business in India. Moreover, the policy also talks about ‘Single brand retailing’ like Nike or ‘Multi- brand retailing’ like Walmart. The argument is that customers can afford to purchase the products of these companies as their income is rising gradually. It will increase research and innovations in the retail sector which will provide new ways of producing goods as well as increase the variety of goods in the market. This will eventually improve the quality of life.

“This will eventually improve the quality of life.” Identify which dimension of business environment is depicted here.

Social Environment

“This will eventually improve the quality of life.” - Social dimension of business environment is depicted here.

The social environment of business include the social forces like customs and traditions, values, social trends, society’s expectations from business, etc. Traditions define social practices that have lasted for decades or even centuries. For example, the celebration of Diwali, Eid, Christmas, and Guru Parv in India provides significant financial opportunities for greetings card companies, sweets or confectionery manufacturers, tailoring outlets and many other related business. Values refer to concepts that a society holds in high esteem. In India, individual freedom, social justice, equality of opportunity and national integration are examples of major values cherished by all of us.

Major Elements of Social Environment-

* Attitudes towards product innovations, lifestyles, occupational distribution and consumer preferences
* Concern with quality of life
* Life expectancy
* Expectations from the workforce
* Shifts in the presence of women in the workforce
* Birth and death rates
* Population shifts
* Educational system and literacy rates
* Consumption habits
* Composition of family