Business organisation and environment

Table of Contents

1. Topic pack - introduction
2. 1.1 Nature of business activity - notes
3. 1.1 Nature of business activity - questions
4. 1.2 Types of organisation - notes
5. 1.2 Types of organisation - questions
6. 1.3 Organisational objectives - notes
   1. Nature, role and importance of objectives
   2. Changing objectives
   3. Statements - mission and vision
   4. Short versus long-term objectives
   5. Short versus long-term objectives - a further explanation
   6. Management by objectives
   7. Ethical objectives
   8. Corporate social responsibility
7. 1.3 Organisational objectives - questions
8. 1.4 Stakeholders - notes
9. 1.4 Stakeholders - questions
10. 1.5 External environment - notes
11. 1.5 External environment - questions
12. 1.5 External environment - simulations and activities
13. 1.6 Organisational planning tools - notes
14. 1.6 Growth and evolution - notes
15. 1.7 Growth and evolution - questions
16. 1.7 Growth and evolution - simulations and activities
17. 1.6 Change (HL only) - notes
18. 1.9 Globalisation - notes
19. 1.9 Globalisation - questions
20. Print View

Short versus long-term objectives

The previous section showed how objectives can be long or short-term. It also demonstrated how they could change with time, particularly short-term objectives. These all link with planning and, in particular, corporate (company) planning.

The planning cycle

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• The planning cycle

Firms need to keep their long-term objectives in mind when they are making short-term tactical decisions. An opportunity may come up, but does it fit with the long-term objectives? Is it so attractive that the long-term objectives should be changed?

Long-term objectives are usually set by the directors, and only changed by them.

Short-term tactical objectives may well be delegated to senior, or middle, managers, who may also have the authority to change them, if necessary.

Changes in short or long term objectives can seriously influence the performance of a company and the morale of the employees. Remember, change is rarely popular, as people often feel threatened by it.