WEEK 4 Discussion Responses - Leadership And Ethics

WEEK 4 Discussion Responses - Leadership and Ethics Discussion 1 Week 4-

Businesses are significantly impacted by political issues, environment, supply and demand, and economic trends. One of the most concerning political issues is terrorism, which has recurrently affected global stability throughout history, from the 9/11 attacks in the United States to recent incidents like the attack at an Ariana Grande concert in the UK. Terrorism aims to disrupt and destroy businesses (Larobina and Pate, 2009), which hampers economic growth and weakens national strength. Early detection and intervention are essential because terrorism adversely affects a country's development, investment climate, and international trade. The destruction of property and infrastructure caused by terrorist acts results in billions of dollars in economic damage and can disrupt production if workers are harmed or killed (Ross, 2016).

Additionally, terrorism fuels market uncertainty. For example, after September 11, 2001, financial markets took months to recover, and international investments declined due to fears of instability. Countries affected by terrorism experience disrupted trade routes, leading to skepticism among trading partners, which diminishes trust and reliability in business relationships. The aviation sector exemplifies this impact, as airline industries faced a 12% decline post-9/11, along with substantial increases in oil prices, rising from $25 per barrel in 2001 to over $100 in 2008. Terrorism also affects tourism and travel; for instance, the Nice attacks in France led to a decrease in tourism, impacting economic stability.

While resilient businesses in developed countries can often recover after terrorist attacks, developing nations may struggle to rebuild if terrorism persists. Therefore, it is vital for governments, homeland security, and businesses to collaborate to maintain national resilience. These efforts include enhancing security measures, intelligence sharing, and establishing emergency response protocols to minimize economic disruption and restore stability quickly.

Paper For Above instruction

The impact of terrorism on business and the economy is profound and multifaceted. Terrorism's primary objective—to instill fear and destabilize society—poses significant threats not only to national security but also to economic stability and growth. Historically, terrorist incidents such as the September 11 attacks have demonstrated the extensive damage that can occur, with immediate financial losses and long-term economic ripple effects that extend across various industries. The destruction of infrastructure, loss of life, and psychological impact lead to decreased productivity, increased costs, and lowered investor confidence. As Larobina and Pate (2009) emphasize, terrorism aims to disrupt ongoing business activities, which are essential for economic prosperity and national strength.

The economic consequences of terrorism are both direct and indirect. Direct damages include the destruction of property and infrastructure, which results in billions of dollars' worth of reconstruction efforts. For instance, Ross (2016) reports that the after-effects of attack incidents often involve substantial costs related to damage repair and increased security measures. Indirect effects encompass market uncertainty, declining investment, and reduced consumer confidence. The post-9/11 market downturn exemplifies this, as stock markets took months to recover, and international investment flows diminished due to fears of future attacks (Ross, 2016).

Disruption of trade routes is another significant consequence of terrorism, especially in a globally interconnected economy. Countries experiencing terrorist activity often face restricted access to critical trade pathways, impairing exports and imports and leading to increased costs and delays. The aviation industry illustrates this: after 9/11, airline revenues declined sharply, accompanied by a surge in fuel prices, which rose from approximately $25 per barrel in 2001 to over $100 in 2008. These spikes increase operational costs for airlines and, consequently, ticket prices for consumers (Ross, 2016).

The tourism sector, a vital contributor to many economies, also suffers during terrorist incidents. For example, following the terrorist attacks in Nice, France, tourism plummeted, leading to economic downturns in regions reliant on travel and hospitality industries. The decrease in tourist arrivals reduces revenue and employment in those sectors, further destabilizing local economies (Ross, 2016).

Resilience to terrorism varies among countries. Developed nations often have established security measures, intelligence capabilities, and emergency response systems that help mitigate the financial and human toll. Conversely, developing countries may lack necessary resources and infrastructure to respond effectively, exacerbating economic vulnerabilities. Consequently, a coordinated approach involving government agencies, private sector stakeholders, and international organizations is crucial to bolster resilience.

Such coordinated efforts include intelligence sharing, security upgrades, counter-terrorism strategies, and public awareness campaigns. These actions help deter terrorist activities, minimize their impact, and foster stability that attracts investments and encourages economic development. Moreover, resilience-building initiatives contribute to confidence among investors and consumers, thus supporting sustainable economic growth even amid threats.

In conclusion, terrorism exerts a profound influence on business operations and the broader economy. Its effects encompass physical destruction, financial losses, market uncertainty, and disrupted trade and tourism. The long-term impact depends on the effectiveness of proactive measures taken by governments and private sectors to prevent, respond to, and recover from terrorist incidents. Strengthening societal resilience is essential to safeguarding economic stability and fostering a secure environment conducive to growth and prosperity.

References

  • Larobina, M. D., & Pate, R. L. (2009). The Impact of Terrorism on Business. The Journal of Global Business Issues, 3(1), 1-8.
  • Ross, S. (2016). Top 5 Ways Terrorism Impacts the Economy. Retrieved from https://www.investopedia.com/articles/investing/081916/top-5-ways-terrorism-impacts-economy.asp
  • Lawrence, A. T., & Weber, J. (2014). Business and Society: Stakeholders, Ethics, Public Policy (14th ed.). McGraw-Hill Education.
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