management - responses

WK 2 Websites Discussion

Topics:  Influence of interest groups on public policy & Government regulation of business

Website #1 presents a government agency’s tool developed to assist the public in dealing with business related regulation. https://www.sba.gov/category/navigation-structure/starting-managing-business/starting-business/business-law-regulations (Links to an external site.)

The Small Business Administration has a comprehensive website designed to educate and assist prospective and current small business owners, entrepreneurs and the public with insightful information related to starting and maintaining a small business.  In addition, the site provides guidance and tools to find, interpret, navigate and take advantage of government regulations.  The uninitiated can be overwhelmed by the seemingly infinite amount of laws and regulations.  With that in mind, the SBA website can be very useful to small business entrepreneurs to learn and take advantage government programs.  Some of the tools provided in the site are contract writing, business plan writing, and how to apply for a small business loans.  .  In essence, the SBA website can be a useful resource to facilitate navigation through the challenges associated with starting a small business.   

Website #2 discusses the positive side of government regulation of business http://www.governmentisgood.com/articles.php?aid=21&p=2 (Links to an external site.)

The Government Is Good website has defenders of the public sector point out the benefits enjoyed by our society associated with government regulations.  Some of these benefits far exceed the costs to most businesses. Although some of these policies may have a negative impact on some businesses’ profits and growth, they establish order and provide direction toward having a better society.  For instance, environmental regulations ensure drinkable water and breathable air for all of us.   Another illustration encompasses consumer and workplace regulations that protect millions of people from harm.   Lastly, minimum wage laws help raise families out of poverty.   In essence, and in most cases government regulation has allowed American society to be safer and healthier, and has created greater economic security and economic equality.

Website #3 presents an article that briefly intertwines the influence of interest groups on public policy and touches on the government regulation of business. http://www.economist.com/node/21547789 (Links to an external site.)   Over-Regulated America, The Economist, February 18, 2012

The Economist magazine is a comprehensive source of various opinions on diverse subject areas, including interest groups and government regulation.  The author of the article argues that regulations have become too complex and outlines that regulations must be kept simple because they are more cost effective to the government and the public.  However, the article presents that the complexity we find in American laws is driven by to two factors; lawmakers and lobbyists.  In one hand, lawmakers want to enact laws to cover every situation.  On the other hand, lobbyists serve as the strategists for special interest groups by seeking special favors.   Peters (170) shares that special interest groups just look at a narrower and more specific view of the overall regulation or law.  In essence, the author’s vision endorses simpler regulation in order to allow regulators ensure the laws are followed.