Company as a System: Elements, Environment, and Responsibility
The Company as a System
Understanding a system as a set of interrelated elements within the global economic system. It belongs to a unitary whole related to the environment in which it operates.
Characteristics
- Open System: The company interacts with the environment, and external events influence its decisions.
- Interconnected Subsystems: Composed of different subsystems acting together to achieve synergy and improved performance.
- Global System: Any influence on a subsystem impacts others and the entire company.
- Self-Control: Adapts to any changing environment.
Environment
The company is a productive subsystem within a broader economic system. We can differentiate:
- Overall Environment: Affects all firms in general.
- Specific Environment: Affects each firm in a particular way, varying with the type of company.
Corporate Social Responsibility
The active and voluntary integration by firms of social and environmental concerns into their business operations and relationships with partners, aiming to improve their competitive position and enhance their value.
Actions for Responsibility
- Developing internal codes of conduct.
- Establishing measures to promote work-life balance.
- Training workers on environmental issues related to manufacturing.
Responsibility Criteria
- No child labor or forced labor.
- Establishment of enabling insurance.
- Healthy work environment and respect for free association and collective bargaining.
- No discrimination by sex, race, or religion.
- No physical punishments.
- Working hours not exceeding 48 hours per week.
- Remuneration within legal norms.
- Management systems do not conflict with any prior rights.
Location and Dimension
Location
- Market Demand Analysis: Assess interest in the location for the product.
- Raw Material Supply: Evaluate the quality of communications and transport.
- Accessibility: Ensure easy access for communication and transport.
Supplies
- Information on available supplies.
- Cost of construction and solar supplies, noting price variations.
Legislation and Financing
- Understand the regulatory framework and financing restrictions.
- Consider economic investments.
Regional Development
- Assess the development of the chosen region.
Dimension
Refers to production capacity, determined by factors including the number of workers, technology, and market.
Relocation
The relocation of production activities from industrialized countries to developing countries with lower income per capita.
Small and Medium Enterprises
Features
- Limited entrepreneur training and technical knowledge.
- Low financial capacity to access financial markets.
- Technical qualifications and training of personnel lag behind technological advancements.
- Flexible organization and ease of communication.
- Integration of staff development in international markets.
- Use of spaces left by large companies.
- Job creators with more working capital resources.