Business is in constant change with many forces that influence these changes such as global, local, legislative, cultural, etc. This week we consider how these forces impact the organization along with what managers can do when confronted with these forces.In this discussion, address how internal and external factors impact organizations. the following create both challenges and new opportunities for business:Pick one of the companies that your profiled in Discussion 3-4 and one of your recent employers. (My company is Amazon and employer National Institute of Health)
What broad external factors are impacting both of these organizations and their industries?
What differences do you see?
In this discussion response, address how the following create both challenges and new opportunities for both of these organizations.
Global economic trends
Regulatory changes
Demographic shifts
Geographic shifts
Social perspectives
Technological developments
Based on your understanding of the structure and culture of both organizations (yours and the one you profiled), which one do you think is best positioned to succeed in the coming 10 years? What are the most pressing external concerns that need to be addressed immediately?
Impact of External Factors on Amazon and the National Institute of Health
Impact of External Factors on Amazon and the National Institute of Health
Introduction
External factors such as global, local, legislative, cultural, and technological forces play a significant role in shaping organizations and industries. In this discussion, we will explore how these external factors impact Amazon and the National Institute of Health (NIH), highlighting challenges and opportunities for both organizations.
Broad External Factors Impacting Amazon and NIH
Amazon:
1. Global Economic Trends: Amazon is influenced by global economic conditions that impact consumer spending habits, logistics costs, and international market expansion.
2. Regulatory Changes: Amazon faces regulatory challenges related to antitrust issues, data privacy regulations, and labor practices in different countries.
3. Technological Developments: Rapid advancements in technology affect Amazon's e-commerce platform, cloud computing services (AWS), and innovation in areas like artificial intelligence and robotics.
National Institute of Health (NIH):
1. Regulatory Changes: NIH is impacted by changes in healthcare policies, funding regulations, and ethical guidelines governing medical research and clinical trials.
2. Demographic Shifts: NIH must adapt to demographic changes such as an aging population, increasing healthcare needs, and disparities in healthcare access among different demographic groups.
Challenges and Opportunities
Challenges:
- Global Economic Trends: Economic downturns can affect consumer spending on Amazon's products and services, while NIH may face budget cuts during economic crises impacting research funding.
- Regulatory Changes: Compliance with evolving regulations can be challenging for both organizations and may require significant resources to ensure adherence.
- Technological Developments: Keeping up with technological advancements requires continuous innovation and investment for Amazon to maintain its competitive edge, while NIH needs to adopt new technologies for research and healthcare delivery.
Opportunities:
- Global Economic Trends: Expansion into emerging markets presents growth opportunities for Amazon, while NIH can collaborate with international partners for research initiatives.
- Regulatory Changes: Adapting to regulatory changes can lead to improved practices, increased transparency, and enhanced trust from stakeholders for both organizations.
- Technological Developments: Leveraging technological advancements can enhance operational efficiency, customer experience for Amazon, and accelerate medical breakthroughs and treatments for NIH.
Organizational Structure and Culture Assessment
Both Amazon and NIH have robust structures and cultures that emphasize innovation, collaboration, and customer/patient-centric approaches. Amazon's agile structure allows for quick adaptation to market changes, while NIH's research-focused culture promotes scientific excellence and public health impact.
Future Outlook and Immediate Concerns
In the coming decade, Amazon is better positioned to succeed due to its strong market presence, diverse revenue streams, and technological capabilities. Immediate concerns for Amazon include addressing regulatory scrutiny, sustainability practices, and maintaining customer trust.
For NIH, the pressing external concerns include securing stable research funding, addressing healthcare disparities, leveraging data-driven approaches in research and healthcare delivery, and adapting to changing healthcare policies.
In conclusion, while both Amazon and NIH face unique challenges and opportunities stemming from external factors, their organizational resilience, strategic adaptability, and proactive responses will be key determinants of their future success in navigating the dynamic business landscape.