LGBT POLICY IN NORTHERN CAROLINA 1
The signing into law of the discriminative LGBT policy in NorthernCarolina has resulted in several impacts in the social and businessenvironment. The Governor, McCrory has been in the limelight ofcriticism from the business community. When the law was passed inMarch, he claimed the small business community to be in support of ituntil he received a call from the corporate leaders (Drew &Robertson, 2016). The citizens of Northern Carolina are against thelaw. Business leaders have suffered the short-term effect of thepolicy, and they have become very skeptical while conducting theiractivities.
Background
As a corporate leader, I am required to made a viable recommendationfor my business that aims a expanding its services to North Carolina.Before making major decisions on investment, a comprehensive analysisof the business environment is necessary. Our aim is to expand ourclient base. The state of the environment in which we put up thebusiness, therefore, is a primary factor. North Carolina hasattractive economics incentives. The bureaucratic process involvedwhile establishing a new business are short and friendly to both theexisting firms and the new entrants. Also, the competition in thecounty is not threatening. However, the change in policies is likelyto have various implications on the face of our business both locallyand internationally.
The Issue
LBGT is a major issue that any business with an interest in theUnited States must consider. Even if a business is not passionateabout the concerns of the LGBT, the policies in the businessenvironment may have detrimental effects on its operations (Drew &Robertson, 2016). For example, after the enactment of the law, thelocal tourism department reported making losses extending to billionsdue to the cancellations of conventions and business meeting. Thetourism sector has nothing to do with the law, and they were notstakeholders when the county authority conceived it. However, theperception of the locals and other players with an interest in thecounty comes into play. According to Drew & Robertson (2016),international businesses including PayPal and the Deutsche Bank haveexpressed their dissatisfaction with the law. PayPal has suspendedits intention of putting up an operation unit in North Carolina thatcould have engaged more than 400 citizens. Deutsche Bank alsosuspended the addition of more than 200 citizens into the workforce(Drew & Robertson, 2016). The decision made by these corporateorganizations have different implications on the path we take as abusiness.
Analysis
The discriminative law on the LGBT attracts both the local andinternational critics. According to Drew & Robertson (2016),there have been other states with laws limiting the rights of LGBTbut the law in North Carolina have been identified as the harshest ofall. As a business, we may be willing to exploit the attractiveenvironment offered by the county. However, we are an internationalcompany with interest in different markets. Our entry into the marketmay have various implications on our reputation. As otherinternational companies limit their activities in the area, it wouldbe unwise to enter the market as if nothing critical is affecting thesociety. The perception of the prospective consumers is likely toaffect the future of our business.
Additionally, the competition in North Carolina is likely to diminishwith the limited activities of the other companies. However, thenumber of people visiting the county is also on the drop andconsequently the number of consumers from other states. Althoughentering the market at a time when other firms are shy of such aventure may reduce competition, it can adversely affect thereputation of the business. The loss incurred by the local tourismdepartment is an indication of the pressure from the externalenvironment (Drew & Robertson, 2016). The threat to the successof the business emanates from within the county and from thestakeholders outside the county.
Besides the threat from the external key players, the policy may pushthe business to discriminate LGBT in the workplace. As a business, weexpect our operations to be compliant with the provisions of thecounty authority. We would, therefore, have no mandate to challengeany law regardless of its gravity unless through lobbying. To avoidtainting our international reputation, it would be wise to reconsiderwhat the business has to offer.
Recommendation
As a corporate leader, I would recommend that the business looks foranother viable environment and enter the market. The actions taken bythe other international companies should guide us on the effects ofthe law in the business arena. The decreased visitors the countytranslates to diminished profits even for the existing businesses.Reconsidering expanding decisions by other companies is ademonstration of dissatisfaction with the law, and this has adesirable impact on the attitude of the citizens and prospectiveconsumers. Since most of the people are against the policy, it wouldbe prudent to prove them right. Should the county authority revisethe law and make it friendly to the citizens, our business can stillenter the market and exploit the favorable business environment.
In conclusion, the business would not thrive well in North Carolina.The limited activities of the other businesses are proof that thebusiness environment is not favorable. Also, to save theinternational face of the business, it would be prudent to look foranother region tat dos not have discriminative rules. Also, thebusiness would not only depend on the local clients but also thecitizens who frequent the area. The reduced number of visitors wouldresult in reduced sales. I would, therefore, recommend that thebusiness cease from establishing a unit in North Carolina.
References
Drew, J. &Robertson, G. (2016). LGBT law puts North Carolina governor inprecarious position Associated Press. Retrieved fromhttp://abcnews.go.com/