doing business essay

How to Write a Business Essay: an Ultimate Guide

Table of Contents

Writing an essay can be boring. A lot of essays are basically the same thing over and over again. You write an introduction, then you write your supporting paragraphs, and then you create a conclusion. Overall, the process is not a lot of fun, and you can often feel as though you are simply going through the motions for the sake of churning out extra work. But since you have to write an essay, it’s worth considering the many ways that you can make the process faster and easier. In this ultimate guide, we’ll discuss the best way to write a business essay so you can get through the process faster and with relatively little trouble.

It might seem obvious, but the first thing you need to do when you write an essay is to read the essay question. You need to be sure you understand each part of the essay question and how the parts of the question work together. You would be surprised how many students only glance at the question and then write a paper that only partially addresses the assignment. You don’t want to lose points because part of your paper isn’t on topic. If you find any parts of the paper that you don’t understand or that require explanation, be sure to contact your instructor for clarification before you start writing.

Read the essay rubric

These days, most essays have a grading rubric included with the question. A grading rubric is like a cheat sheet for writing your essay. When you review the essay rubric, you’ll see exactly how your instructor will grade your paper and what your instructor will be looking for. When you write your paper, you will therefore know exactly what to include and how to write about it in order to maximize your points—and you’ll also see what you can spend less time on because it won’t contribute to your overall grade.

Make friends with your library

Many students automatically turn to search engines like Google in order to research their papers, but this is not the most effective way to find high-quality business sources for your paper. Instead, take advantage of your library’s databases. Your college or university library will likely have dedicated business databases that collect high-quality academic articles on business topics. Using these resources in your paper will make your essay stronger and more effective, and it will put your paper on a solid academic footing.

Compile your sources before you write

Many students use the start-and-stop method to write their papers, composing a sentence or two and then stopping to look up more information in order to keep going. This, however, is an inefficient way to work. A better way is to read through your research sources before you start and copy into a separate file a series of quotations and facts that you might use in your paper, creating in-text citations and reference list entries for each before you start. Doing so will make sure that you don’t have to stop for research and have a ready bank of pre-cited material to work with as you write.

Outline before you write

Outlining is an important skill that will both save you time and improve the quality of your essay. Take time before you write to lay out your paper from beginning to end. Start with your thesis statement and carefully lay out the body paragraphs with a topic sentence, supporting details (including research, quotes, and citations ), and a closing paragraph . Plan your transitions to link paragraphs together. Any amount of outlining can be helpful, but the more effort that you put into outlining at this stage, the easier it will be to write your paper, and the less likely it will be that you get stuck in a tangent that goes nowhere or meander into a point that requires you to change your thesis and revise you whole essay.

Remember to revise and proofread

When you finish the draft of your paper, you aren’t done yet. The first draft is rarely the finished product. You should always set aside time to read your work back and to make revisions to make it clearer. You also need to carefully proofread for mechanical grammar, punctuation, and syntax issues to ensure that your paper is as close to perfect as possible. You don’t want to leave points on the table because your paper had easy to fix minor spelling or grammar errors.

Consider professional writing help

Another great way to get your paper done quickly is to seek out custom professional help from an essay writing service with academic experts. An online writing company such as this can create business papers for college students and deliver them fast. When you utilize professional writing assistance, you can receive a custom-written essay that can serve as a great model to help you understand how a professional would approach your business topic and organize and develop an essay to address your assignment. Using a model such as this can save you time and effort as you work on your own paper, allowing you to focus on the learning process more than the mechanics of academic essay writing.

Join the thousands who have sharpened their business writing skills with our award winning courses.

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Essay About Business: Top 5 Examples and 7 Prompts

We see business in action in every aspect of our life. So if you need to write an essay about business, look into this article to find examples and prompts to help you get going.

The word “business” encompasses a broad range of activities and branches. However, in its most straightforward meaning, business refers to an institution or a group that works together and engages with others to achieve a goal that will benefit them. 

To give you an idea of how prevalent business is, think of all the times you buy from a store. Any time you get something from an enterprise, big or small, you’re already in business with them. However, businesses such as charities, churches, and volunteer services organizations also envelop transactions not for profit.

To aid you in writing an excellent essay about business, here are examples you should read, followed by prompts to give you ideas on what to write about.

1. Don’t Sell Yourself Short by Manya Whitaker

2. my personal experience in business by shannon murphy, 3. business ethics and work ethic essay by writer annie, 4. the importance of business study by shyam soni, 5. essay on environment, sustainability and business by  aastha singhal, 1. my business aspirations, 2. businesses i want to support, 3. business in the future, 4. business and ethics, 5. what makes a business more appealing, 6. how businesses affect my community, 7. my bad experience with a business.

“Like a good researcher, I did some investigation into what it meant to run a small business… While the initial work seemed intense, the service itself was no more work than I’d been doing for free. And as my father always says ‘don’t sell yourself short’…so I decided not to.”

Whitaker recounts her life experiences and how she came to think of starting an educational consulting business. Next, she goes through the hoops of when to best start her business, what fees are acceptable, and how to let people know her business exists. She then shares her many tips with professors who want to start their businesses and ends her essay by encouraging them to utilize their talents. 

“Businesses today require not just setting a plan but also about the investment and proper management of people, assets, live time opportunity, and risk to make the business expand and develop. I see myself contributing to the development of good business practices in years to come where I will be leading a great business organization effectively.”

Murphy discusses why she wanted to study business enterprise, saying that “business makes life interesting and worth living.” She also talks about her encounter with a businessman and how he motivated her through his stories. Finally, Murphy shows her determination to go through with her career plans in the business industry through her essay.

“Work ethics comprise more than the desire of the job or career but also how one claims his/her path of achievement… I believe work ethics demonstrate many aspects of a person and how a person is within. So, I ask a question to myself today, what are my work ethics and what do I define them?”

In this short essay, the author decides on what work ethic means to her. She includes traits that make her believe it’s a virtue and even offers an example. She also believes that work ethic is intrinsic and ends her essay by sharing the two fundamental traits of her work ethic: humility and treatment.

“Business has become indispensable in our lives. Nearly everything an individual does is directly or indirectly related to business.”

In his essay, Soni expounds on how business affects every aspect of our lives. For example, businesses encourage people to give their best to the world, benefitting everyone. He also lists some of these benefits, such as business helping in choosing a career, understanding business strategies, and recognizing our contribution to a nation’s success.

“Admittedly, the process of changing corporate mindsets and culture to embrace sustainability can be a challenge for some enterprises… maintaining an environment that enables continued prosperity is imperative for any organization’s survival and growth.”

In her essay, Singhal distinctly shows the connection between our surroundings and survival with businesses. She presents how businesses should lead the demand for environmental sustainability because they can make a relevant change. However, at the same time, businesses can also damage the environment and be detrimental to sustainability. 

She further explains what businesses today are doing to answer their green consumer’s call, such as green regulations and more efficient usage of resources. Finally, she ends her essay with a quote identifying the challenge of the twenty-first century: for people to have a decent standard of living while preserving other aspects of life.

Do you want to upgrade your essay paper? Then, check out this list of the best essay writing apps to help refine your work.

7 Prompts on Essay About Business

After learning more about the subject, write your essay with these easy but enjoyable prompts:

In this essay, you can explain why you want to have a business, including your inspirations and motivations. For example, maybe your family already has a business, and you want to continue it. Or perhaps you want to create a business that will help others. Include personal anecdotes and descriptive paragraphs to convey your thoughts and feelings.

This essay prompt lets you list the businesses you want to get more exposure to. Aside from identifying which business you want to see grow, present why you want them to have more recognition in the first place. 

You can write about a small local bakery from which you always get your bread and share the owner’s story. Or you can shift the attention to a charitable organization that needs more donations to continue its mission. Share why this specific organization is dear to you. You’ll not only end up with a great essay but also help these businesses.

This prompt is perfect for you if you want to talk about curiosity-inducing business-related ideas. You can present propositions on how businesses will be conducted years from now. Do you imagine advanced and intelligent AIs capable of holding a conversation to sell a product successfully? What about flying cars? Don’t be shy, and include all of your concepts. 

There has always been a gray area between business and ethics. As a party to this affair, you can share how important ethics is to the business and its clients. You can talk from the client’s point of view – do you still buy a product of a business with questionable ethics? Or do you only support businesses that hold their ethics in high regard? Then, explain why.

There are many marketing tactics businesses use to attract customers. But what if those do you think are most effective? You can write your essay and include the advertisement types that work for you and why. 

You don’t need to go far to find something to write about with this prompt. Identify the things that businesses in your area directly affect, positive or negative. For instance, having businesses in your community makes accessing comedies easier. On the other hand, having many businesses could make a living in your area more expensive.

To make your essay more compelling, you can recount a bad experience with an establishment. Then, narrate it like a story to engross your readers by describing how management handled things and what you felt during that time. Did it discourage you from going back to that business?

You can also add how you think the people in charge should have acted by suggesting a specific course of action. Again, this will give potential business owners a glimpse of how they can run their businesses better.

Note: Improving your paper’s readability score is also a key criterion when editing for grammar.

Maria Caballero is a freelance writer who has been writing since high school. She believes that to be a writer doesn't only refer to excellent syntax and semantics but also knowing how to weave words together to communicate to any reader effectively.

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Business Essay Examples

13 Business Essay Examples for Students

14 min read

Published on: May 1, 2023

Last updated on: Jan 30, 2024

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Are you struggling to figure out the structure, research, or data required to make your essay stand out? Or frustrated by the lack of inspiration and ideas for your essay?

But don't give up yet! We have a powerful solution that will make your essay writing a breeze. Our list of business essay examples is here to help! 

We have compiled expertly written business essay examples that will illustrate how to write a striking business essay.

With our examples, you'll be able to see how to structure your essay and generate creative ideas for your topic. And our tips will help you make the most of these examples.

So, let's dive in and get ready to learn!

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What is a Business Essay?

A business essay is a type of academic writing that focuses on business-related topics and issues. These essays can cover a wide range of topics such as marketing, finance, management, entrepreneurship, and more.

The importance of business essay lies in presenting a well-researched and informed analysis. To do this effectively, writers need to conduct extensive research and analysis on the topic at hand.

Referring to examples of business essays can help you gain insight into the structure, tone, and content of a well-written essay.

Business Essay Examples For Students

Here is a list of business writing examples

Business Essay Examples Pdf

Business Essay Example Grade 10

Business Essay Example Grade 11

A Level Business Essay Examples

University Business Essay Examples

International Business Essay Examples

Short Essay About Business

College Essay About Starting A Business

Types of Business Essay with Examples

When it comes to business essay writing, there are several different types that you might encounter. 

Here's a brief overview of each type, including their characteristics and an example of each.

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Case Studies

A case study is an in-depth analysis of a specific business situation or problem. It involves extensive research and data analysis to provide recommendations.

Case studies often showcase the application of theory to real-world business scenarios.

Research Papers

Research papers involve a more academic approach to business writing. They typically require an extensive literature review, data analysis, and original research. 

Business research papers aim to contribute new knowledge to the field of business. These often involve a hypothesis or research question.

Argumentative Essays

Argumentative business essays aim to persuade the reader to adopt a particular point of view or take a specific action. They present an argument and use evidence and logic to support their claims. 

Argumentative essays can address various business topics such as management practices, ethical issues, or market trends.

White Papers

A white paper is a document that provides a detailed explanation of a particular issue or problem, often with recommendations or solutions. 

White papers are typically used to educate stakeholders about a specific topic. These are often used in the business-to-business (B2B) context.

Comparative Essays 

Comparative business essays compare and contrast two or more topics or ideas. They typically analyze the similarities and differences between the topics to evaluate their pros and cons. 

Comparative essays can focus on various aspects such as products, companies, markets, or strategies.

How to Structure Your Business Essays

As you begin writing your business essay, it's important to structure it in a clear and organized way. 

Here's a step-by-step guide with business essay samples to help you do just that:

Executive Summary

The executive summary is a brief overview of your entire essay. It should summarize your main points and highlight your recommendations. 

This section should be written after completing the essay, as it gives a clear picture of what the essay covers. 

Here is how you start a business essay sample:

Introduction

The introduction sets the stage for the rest of the essay. It should introduce the topic, provide background information, and explain the purpose of the essay. 

Here is a business essay introduction example:

Industry Analysis

In this section, you'll conduct a thorough analysis of the industry in which the business operates. You should examine factors such as competition, market trends, and customer behavior. 

Here is a sample industry analysis

Key Issues or Problems

This section should identify the main issues or problems faced by the business. You should provide evidence to support your claims and analyze the impact of these issues. 

Here is an example paragraph:

Solutions or Recommendation

Here, you'll provide solutions or recommendations to address the issues identified in the previous section. Your solutions should be well-supported and feasible. 

For instance:

Implementation Plan

For this part, you'll outline a plan for implementing the solutions or recommendations you've proposed. This is sort of a description of the business model you suggest. 

This section should be detailed and include specific action steps. 

For example:

Finally, you'll wrap up your essay by summarizing your main points and reiterating your recommendations. 

This section should be clear, concise, and impactful. 

By following this structure, your business essay will be well-organized, coherent, and easy to follow for your readers.

Tips for Using Business Essay Examples Effectively

Now that you have quite a few business essay examples at hand, you should know how to use them effectively:

• Use them as a guide, not a template : While it's great to learn from examples, you should never copy them outright. Instead, use them as a starting point for your own research and writing.
• Analyze the strengths and weaknesses of the essay : Take note of what works well in the example essay, as well as any areas that could be improved. This will help you understand how to make your own essay even better.
• Use them to inform your own research and writing : Pay attention to the research methods, sources, and evidence used in the example essay. This can give you ideas for your own research and help you strengthen your arguments.
• Avoid plagiarism and ensure proper citation: Whenever you use ideas or information from an example, make sure to cite your sources. This will help you avoid plagiarism and maintain academic integrity.

You now have a plenty of business essay examples on different topics to help you get started!

By following our tips and studying the sample essays, you can confidently write your own essays that are clear, concise, and impactful. 

However, if you still find yourself struggling with your business essays, just reach out to our professional business essay writing service . 

We have the best online essay writing service and are ready to provide you a high-quality business. Our writing service has subject specialist writers who can tackle any business essay topic.  

So why wait? Contact us today and let our AI essay writer take your business essays to the next level!

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Strategies for success: 8 tips to craft a winning business essay, april 20, 2023.

In this article, we will explore eight key tips that will guide you toward success in creating a winning business essay . From understanding the nuances of the subject matter to presenting your ideas with clarity and conviction, these tips will empower you to craft a remarkable piece of written work. 

8 great tricks for writing a winning business essay

When it comes to writing a winning business essay, using effective strategies can make all the difference. By implementing the following eight tips, you can enhance your essay’s quality and increase the chances your business writing has a maximum impact on your target group of people.

Choose a topic

The first step in writing a great college assignment is choosing the right topic. Often students are given topics to work with, simplifying things as they only need to ensure that their content aligns with the subject and the project’s scope. When handed the freedom to choose, however, you have to make sure that your business topic is relevant, interesting, and narrow enough to be covered in the length indicated. For the best topic, review available evidence through preliminary research, ensuring that there are enough sources to support your writing. 

Brainstorm and outline

Once you have understood what is expected, brainstorm ideas and create an outline. Outlining saves you time and ensures you stick to the topic. It includes your main points and allows you to gather evidence and examples for your essay. Write down what you can think of relating to the topic for a good outline.

You can develop these ideas further in readiness for the writing process through research. Sure, you will need to create a thesis statement to guide you with the outline. A thesis is a statement or two at the end of your opening paragraph, presenting your primary argument and telling readers what to expect from the writing. 

Follow the right format

Use the conventional format to create your essay, opening with a good introduction before going into the body paragraphs. Only have one idea in each paragraph, explaining it in detail using evidence before moving to the next idea. Use transition phrases and sentences to tie your writing together. 

Stick to the right note

Your tone of voice, when you write a business document, matters as it helps you establish and balance your brand. Experts indicate that business writing demands consistency across all written communications. It means creating a unique voice to maintain in all your documents, allowing audiences to identify with your material.

When prospects and potential clients view the material, they should instantly associate it with your product. It is ok if you need to learn how to create an outstanding paper; you can always hire a reliable service like EssayUSA to work on your task. 

Get to the point quickly

There is no place for small talk in business writing. Readers will have limited time to consume your content; you cannot spend it going through unnecessary information. So, to create exceptional writing for business. Ensure that you get to the point as soon as possible. You don’t want to distract your readers before they get to listen to your main message.

Your safest bet is ensuring your content is scannable, allowing readers to find the most crucial information in your essay easily. If possible, include headings and subheadings in your writing, making sure the structure of your document is easily accessible to your readers. 

Be clear and concise

One of the vital things you can do when writing a business document is to ensure clarity and conciseness. Experts recommend using plain language to write business papers. There is no need for lengthy and distracting paragraphs. You need to keep your writing short and clear, articulating your points in as few words as possible.

Expert writers also use specifics to highlight their points, avoiding being vague in their business writing. Always keep the goal of your writing in mind throughout the process.

Avoid clichés and jargon

Read and understand the instructions.

When writing a business essay for an academic project, there will be a set of instructions you are expected to follow. These indicate what the student will achieve within the project’s scope and outline elements like formatting, citations, length, and the number of sources. Before writing your assignment, ensure these guidelines are clear by reading them multiple times. Ask your professor to clarify elements that seem vague or complicated. 

Crafting a winning business essay requires a combination of skill, knowledge, and creativity. By implementing the eight tips discussed in this article, you can create an impactful essay that will impress your professors, colleagues, or clients.

With practice, persistence, and dedication, you can achieve success in the world of business essay writing. So, start writing, and let your words inspire and captivate your readers.

More must-read stories from Enterprise League:

• Why hiring millennials might be the best decision you can ever make.
• The only list of novels for entrepreneurs that you will ever need.
• Foretelling: transform your business by predicting future trends .
• Unique and profitable drone business ideas you should be aware of.
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Sample Business School Essays

Studying business is a great way to gain valuable working experience across many industries. As such, many students decide to further their education with a degree in business. To help set your business school application apart from the others, having a stellar application essay can help tremendously. Before writing your own essay make sure you explore our sample essays to gather a few ideas and thoughts on how you can make your essay unique and engaging.

This section contains five business essay samples:

Business School Essay Sample One

Business school essay sample two, business school essay sample three, business school essay sample four.

• Business School Essay Sample Five

Watching my brother transform from a man who had lost his ability to walk to a man who can play basketball with my father kindled my fascination of the physical therapy world. The Bureau of Labor Statistics anticipates the field of physical therapy to grow faster than average in the upcoming years. I hope to join this field during an exciting time of growth, furthering the rehabilitation of those who have been injured.

Following graduation from ABC Business School, I intend to serve a marketing team in a local physical therapy company, such as Ridgeview Physical Therapy. My short-term goal is to lead a team, furthering success in the Ridgeview area. Due to the popular physical therapy company thirty miles from Ridgeview, much of the local population is unaware of the quality services Ridgeview Physical Therapy has to offer. I hope to increase visits by 40 percent in the first 5 years of my employment. My long-term goal includes extending the company’s reach into surrounding cities, and eventually beyond national barriers, becoming a global marketing manager.

I expect to gain skills and experiences from ABC Business School that will propel my short and long-term goals. I hope to develop an experiential and diverse learning experience and have the opportunity to interact with different groups of people to learn from their business insights and endeavours. From ABC Business School, I seek the tools and resources needed to further engage in my marketing knowledge, perform professional strategic analyses, and re-evaluate my past work experiences. I look forward to taking courses from Professor Jim. W. Reid, who has published the research of the success of Matthews and Marketing in his book, “Matthews Commerce,” which has helped me continue my career this far. I also look forward to taking the unique classes taught by Professor Rachel E. Davis, introducing me to the physical therapy world and enriching my business skills in that area.

When my brother’s car accident in 2011 caused immobility in his left leg, he never thought he would be able to play his favorite sport again. David Andrews, a 1994 graduate from ABC Business School, ensured that that would not come to pass. I spoke with Andrews about his journey, and he told me that it was through the opportunities and education he received from the professors and students at ABC Business School that helped him open his own practice. I hope to follow in Andrews’s footsteps. With the passion I have for the success of Ridgeview Physical Therapy, and the determination I learned from watching my brother, all I need to complete my goals is the knowledge available to me through an MBA at ABC Business School. I look forward to completing my career aspirations using the tools received from ABC Business School to contribute to my professional career.

The world of physical therapy is growing, and with my skills in marketing, I hope to grow the local Ridgeview services across the globe.

In this essay, the applicant is assigned to answer the prompt in approximately 500 words. The admissions officer expects a clear and concise essay that does not veer off the question and exemplifies quality writing, grammar, and punctuation. In questions similar to these, the admissions officers are looking for: Student’s understanding and knowledge in answering questions: The writer explains his short and long-term career goals, referencing the future of the career (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and quantifying his goals (Increase by 40 percent within the first 5 years). A deeper look into who the applicant is: Writer shares personal information that also relates to answering the question (brother in physical therapy). Make sure that any personal information you share does not veer off of the question that needs to be answered. Proper research on the school to adequately answer the second question: Student mentions names of professors who have demonstrated help in the past (professor’s business research book) giving credibility to the student that he believes they will be able to help him in the future. Avoid flattery and only speak of the school in a way that shows proper research and answers the question presented.

Nancy, the CEO of Jasmine Publishing House, bought me a coffee and told me I should invest in warm gloves as we sat down at a corner diner for what would be a game-changing business meeting. As the leading publishing house in Europe, Nancy informed me that JPH was interested in closing a multi-million dollar deal with our fashion magazine, Zoelle, provided we changed the magazine's appearance to attract a broader European audience.

As production manager, my job was to lead and supervise a staff of 30 to match Nancy's vision, working closely with the design team, photographers, production staff and marketing team. After three weeks of heavy brainstorming, we developed a fresh appearance for the magazine.

I invited Nancy to a meeting with me and three of our executive producers. I shared with her the strategy we had created in order to solve our appearance problem, as well as estimated costs and complications. Nancy agreed that the direction our magazine was going fit well with her vision and audience, and that JPH would be happy to work with us within the next week.

Although the team was excited to accept the offer, I was concerned that we were not prepared to complete the project so quickly. Though the executive producers did not understand, as our production team was to begin work on the next issue the following day, I explained that there may include deep financial consequences if we rush into the process. I wanted to ensure that JPH received a consistent layout from Zoelle magazine. Nancy agreed to wait until the upcoming issue was complete before beginning work on the new look.

We began work the following Tuesday, after the latest issue was produced. I collaborated with an eight member marketing team to develop new branding for our magazine and mediated this branding with the design team, ensuring that it was able to blend well with their ideas and insights based on the first meeting with Nancy. I led the operation of the first issue to be published via JPH, supervising 30 employees.

After the issue was published, our sales increased by 42 percent in the first week. After leading the Zoelle team to a business deal close and a fresh start, I learned that with the proper leadership, a staff of varied talents, insights and opinions can work closely together to produce a magazine that continues to increase its sells each issue. My initiative helped provide Zoelle with its largest new contract that year, a $2 million deal. Customers from Europe and the United States commented with positive remarks on the new look, showing interest in the replacement of the former look, which had been being published for seven years.

After this leadership experience, I was able to see my potential as a leader. I can communicate effectively with all members of a group and help connect them with one another to make a larger picture. I protect my business discernment even against an upset crowd, and am able to properly persuade others to understand other perspectives. Through learning more about leadership every day with my work in Zoelle, I hope to continue to strengthen these abilities and witness the success they can bring to media production.

In this essay, the applicant was asked to detail her leadership abilities through the application of a relevant example. She was asked to do this in approximately 550 words, using concise language and proper grammar and punctuation. In questions similar to these, the admissions officers are looking for: Applicant's ability to share leadership qualities with a relevant example: This writer shared leadership qualities of communication (brainstorming with different staffs and helping them connect their ideas together), listening (brainstorming and understanding staff concerns), delegating (ensuring each team did what was supposed to be done), and managing (managed and supervised a staff of 30) through the use of an example from her work with Zoelle Magazine. Proof of a potential growth in these leadership skills: The writer hopes to “continue to strengthen” her leadership skills. She provides examples of how she learned from previous leadership roles. How these skills will help further your career: The writer used an example from her current career and concluded her essay with a look into the potential of leadership in her field.

I looked across my celebratory cheesecake and beamed up at my new coworkers. I couldn't believe I had finally landed my dream job. All of the senior editors were having lunch in the cafe across the street from the bakery where the finance team and marketing team shared dessert. I had been hired as a budget analyst at my favorite magazine. My job was to work alongside the business manager to help create a more healthy marriage between the finance and marketing departments, thus improving our sales and workplace environment. On my way home, I reflected on my relief in finally having an exciting and secure career.

Just three months later, we met at the same bakery where I had celebrated my new job. Every department from our small, close-knit staff was present. As the publication manager began to tell us the news, I remember how our faces fell. Our publication company was going out of business, and every publication was to be shut down. She explained that they had tried to find another publishing company without success.

Not only did I feel as though I failed the company, I also knew that I, as well as the other 17 employees, was out of a job. We went back to our offices and packed up our things. Writers and designers were frantically calling around, asking for open positions. An employee from the finance department began tweaking his resume, and the marketing department apologized to the publication manager and editor-in-chief, who responded graciously.

I had to leave my apartment not long after losing my job. I stayed with a friend on the north side of town as I tried to find a job in a shrinking economic suburb. It took six months to find a position, and though I had to move and leave behind my dream, I found a new way to work toward my new dream.

From this experience, I learned the importance of adaptability. Only through my ability to embrace the change happening around me was I able to find a new job and start a new life with new visions and goals. Applying for my MBA would have sounded bizarre to the disheartened, homeless idealist who lost her dream. But now, after finding in me the strength to persevere, I am able to take what I learned from my previous job and pair it with what I learn from the university. This knowledge will help me ensure that the future companies I work with will not have to endure a similar fallout.

However, if there comes a time when I am again involved in a lost company, I know how to repair. I know how to restore.

In this essay, the applicant was asked to recall a challenging situation to which the writer overcame the boundaries. The writer was asked to do this in approximately 450 words, using concise language and proper grammar and punctuation. In questions similar to these, the admissions officers are looking for: Applicant's ability to identify a challenging moment in her life: This writer uses a relevant example of a challenging situation, describing the challenge of losing a job, losing housing, and having to move to a different city. Examples of how the applicant overcame these challenges: The writer cites her “adaptability” as the reason why she was able to overcome this challenge. Instead of giving up, the applicant tells of applying for other jobs, even ones that were out of her comfort zone and in another city. Brief insights to what the applicant learned from the challenge: This writer learned how to maintain strength, perseverance and adaptability in challenging situations. The applicant tells of continuing the learning process in her MBA program and allowing it to help future companies.

“Gallery Furniture saves you money today!” As a child, these words rang out to me, sandwiched in between the episodes of Pokemon and Yu-Gi-Oh that I gleefully watched every Saturday morning. During commercial breaks, an older gentleman known as Mattress Mack would dominate all 24 inches of my cartoon box with his signature hundred-mile-per-hour pitch, reserved for sputtering off the praises of American-made furniture sold at affordable prices. Mattress Mack reigned as a household favorite in the Greater Houston area; in fact, my cousin and I made games out of memorizing his lines and spitting them out as fast as we could whenever his ads came on TV.

Mack’s distinctive elevator-pitch talking style stemmed from the financial difficulties he faced at the start of his career. At that time, Mack invested his entire life savings in a single ad that aired on two stations. While watching the ad himself, he grew unhappy with the producers’ work and ad-libbed a rapid pitch which would be later recognized as one of his greatest sparks of unconventional genius. Mack's unique re-branding has taught me to recognize the value of bootstrapping and developing creative solutions to solve problems.

Beyond his unorthodox sales strategies, Mack also had a heart that was truly the size of Texas. In August of 2017, Hurricane Harvey made landfall and caused $125 billion in damages, and several people that I personally know lost everything. While most of us worried solely about our own survival, Mack opened his two biggest showrooms and provided food to those who needed it most. His heroic actions eventually earned him his own day, August 26th, appropriately named Mattress Mack Day. He has inspired Houstonians just like me to pursue entrepreneurship opportunities that put social focus on the forefront.

As Harvey pummelled through the Gulf Coast, I noted the amount of devastation the hurricane has caused for our local automotive industry. This sparked an idea. As a passionate watchmaker and a car enthusiast, I partnered with my co-founder to create one-of-a-kind wristwatches from wrecked supercars with stories to match. A portion of each sale would then be donated to Habitat for Humanity to rebuild communities affected by natural disasters. My dream came to fruition, and over the last two years, the work I did has gained the attention of Mayor Turner, Capital One Bank, and various other notable individuals and organizations across Texas, Florida, Switzerland, and the UK. Born from a company bootstrapped with a $10,000 award from Capital One Bank, we are now projected to take in a revenue of $500k in the coming year.

Mattress Mack’s unconventional business approaches have taught me that tackling problems with limited capital yields the most innovative solutions and that the numbers, albeit essential, are not the end-all-be-all of a company. His ability to see equal importance in their lesser-noticed counterparts -the people his business serves and the community he resides in- are what sets him apart from traditional bosses as a truly effective leader. His actions have taught me that marrying unconventional problem-solving skills to a strong moral code is the key to greater personal success.

Business Sample Essay Five

Fuqua was the first business school I visited at the beginning of my application journey. No one in my family has ever attended college, let alone business school, so my visit opened a new world of opportunity for me. I sat in the auditorium with 300 other Management Leadership for Tomorrow (MLT) fellows soaking up facts about Fuqua’s collaborative culture, global perspective, and distinguished faculty. My most vivid memory of the experience was at the end of the first day when the Black and Latino MBA Organization (BLMBAO) came on stage and helped me understand what it truly means to be on “Team Fuqua.” Dancing, cheering, and wearing their Blue Devil gear, the students made it easy to see a cohesive community for students of color – one that I have not felt so palpably at any other business school since. As I sat in that auditorium, I began to imagine myself as a part of “Team Fuqua,” and after the visit I became more confident that there was a place for me at Duke. For these reasons, I am seeking a spot in the entering class of 2022.

Post MBA, I plan to work as a Product Manager in an innovative digital healthcare company focused on using technology to transform patient care. Specifically, I would like to work in wireless tech and data analytics focused on chronic disease management similar to Twine Health, a platform integrated into patients' Fitbits to monitor diabetes-related vitals. In preparation for a career in healthcare, I plan on being a part of Fuqua’s Health Care Club (HCC). I look forward to contributing to this community through my perspective in healthcare consulting as well as my experience in the health insurance marketplace. By participating in the HCC, I will leverage the insight from 2nd year students as I navigate the healthcare recruiting process during HCC life line sessions. In time, I hope to return the favor by helping new students navigate recruitment, coursework, and life in Durham. Particularly, I am excited to gain valuable insight into the healthcare industry through programming coordinated by HCC such as the Duke MBA Health Care Conference and panel discussions throughout the year. HCC will not only provide me the knowledge and professional aptitude for a meaningful career in the healthcare sector, but will also grant me a life-long network of Fuqua healthcare leaders. To further promote health, I want to take part in the Fuqua Running & Triathlon Club. As a cross country athlete in high school and college, I look forward to exploring the Raleigh-Durham area and sharing my love of running.

Beyond my involvement in the Fuqua healthcare community, I also plan to join BLMBAO. It is very important for me to be part of a collective of leaders of color that empower each other to reach their full potential in business. For this reason, I am interested in joining the leadership cabinet of BLMBAO and shaping events such as the MBA Minority Business Conference. I want to continue BLMBAO’s work of increasing the visibility of underrepresented minorities, engaging Fuqua on issues of race and inequality, and being an advocate for women of color in business. For example, as a Fellow and alumna of MLT, I will commit myself to building a pipeline for Latina prospective Fuqua MBA students. This will include holding workshops that focus on the application process and challenges specific to Latinas in management.

In the end, Duke is the ideal place for me to become the business leader I know I can be. The opportunities in healthcare at Fuqua with HCC in conjunction with the school’s close proximity to the research triangle are second to none. A Fuqua MBA will give me the opportunity to learn, grow, and lead among lifelong friends. As a part of the incoming class, I will continue to learn more about Fuqua and expect that the “Team Fuqua” spirit will stand out in all of my interactions within the larger community. Just as BLMBAO students inspired me on my first day at Fuqua, I hope to one day inspire a young Latina professional setting her sights on business school.

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• Berkeley Haas School of Business Essay Tips and Examples

June 6, 2023

Jeremy Shinewald

Berkeley Haas 2023–2024 Essay Tips

Required essay #1: what makes you feel alive when you are doing it, and why (300 words maximum).

Perhaps you are familiar with the psychological concept of “flow,” which is a mental state people enter when they are completely immersed in and focused on something they enjoy and are enthusiastic about—it is also described as being “in the zone.” With this question, Berkeley Haas is basically asking you to discuss what puts you in the zone. If you are truly excited about something—and, we would assume, therefore engage in it on a regular basis—writing about it should not prove too challenging. Like all other application questions, this one has no “right” answer, so do not try to guess what you think the school wants to hear. Authenticity is key to your success here. Note that the prompt includes the words “when you are doing it,” so although you may feel strongly about certain causes or values, such as animal rights or environmental matters, for this essay, you will need to discuss an activity rather than an ideology.  

The school does not stipulate that your topic needs to come from a specific area of your life (e.g., professional life, community service, personal life). We appreciate that you are likely passionate about your career, but this is not automatically your best choice for a topic here, especially given that the school’s second required essay offers a better opportunity to discuss your professional side. What Berkeley Haas wants to learn from this essay is what gets your heart pumping and mind revving. Enthusiasm and intensity can be very inspiring and energizing and can lead to big ideas and actions. Sharing what incites such feelings in you gives the admissions committee an idea of where you might someday make an impression on the world, how you might leave your mark—especially once you are equipped with all you will gain and learn during your MBA experience.

That said, do not worry if the thing you feel so fervently about might initially seem commonplace to someone else. For example, perhaps you feel passionate about basketball. Because this is an interest anyone could share and enjoy, you might have concerns that it could sound pedestrian or unremarkable—and for many, this is a completely unremarkable pastime and one they should not write about. If, however, you can show that you have engaged with basketball in a way that takes the activity well beyond being a commonplace hobby and that it is something you connect with on a deep level and in various ways (perhaps having played for many years, you now coach youth teams from underprivileged neighborhoods in your community), then it most definitely becomes an acceptable discussion topic. In such a case, basketball could be used to reveal intensity, dedication, commitment to yourself and others, growth, longevity, and/or resilience. Of course, we are offering basketball here just for illustration purposes. We imagine you likely feel the flow when engaging in a completely different activity or even in disparate activities that are unified by a single behavior, such as when you are creating something or perhaps motivating others. The options are very much endless.

Once you have identified the passion you wish to discuss, avoid simply telling the admissions committee about it and instead illustrate how it manifests in your life. For example, rather than starting your essay by stating, “I have been watching and playing basketball since I was a child,” you need to create a more vivid impression of your dedication and involvement, such as “From playing with my brothers after school to varsity ball in college to now coaching a youth league in my community, I can hardly remember a time when basketball wasn’t an integral part of my life.” Or consider a more narrative approach, such as, “Dripping with sweat, I thrust my right arm up and knocked the basketball away, just as the buzzer sounded.” Once you have set the scene and presented the object of your fervor, you must then explain why you connect with it so strongly or so well. Perhaps it gives you a sense of peace or purpose, or it makes you feel connected with others in a meaningful way, or it allows you to challenge yourself mentally or physically. A successful essay response will not only paint a clear picture of your passion but also highlight the elements of your personality that make it significant to you.

Required Essay #2: How will an MBA help you achieve your short-term and long-term career goals? (300 words max)

With this rather no-nonsense query about your motivation to earn an MBA and expectations as to where you will go with it professionally after graduation, Haas simply wants you to spell out what you have in mind as you approach this phase of your life and career. With just 300 words, focus on presenting your answer as directly and thoroughly as possible. Keep in mind that the rest of your application needs to provide evidence that your stated goals align with your existing skills and interests, especially once they have been augmented by an MBA education. This will show that your professed objectives are achievable and thereby lend credibility to your statement. Also take care to present your goals in such a way that the transition from your short-term objective to your long-term aspiration makes sense. Although the school does not explicitly ask you to discuss your past experiences here or why its program in particular is the best one for you, succinctly touching on both of these points would be advisable and important to both providing context for your stated goals and demonstrating your fit with and need for a Haas MBA specifically.

This straightforward question basically constitutes the core of a typical personal statement essay. And because personal statements are similar from one application to the next, we created our mbaMission Personal Statement Guide , which helps applicants write this style of essay for any school. This publication is available free of charge and provides both detailed guidance and illustrative sample essays. Be sure to download your copy today.

Required Essay #3: (Video) The Berkeley MBA program develops leaders who embody our four Defining Leadership Principles . Briefly introduce yourself to the admissions committee, explain which leadership principle resonates most with you, and tell us how you have exemplified the principle in your personal or professional life. (Not to exceed 2 minutes.)

Start by taking a deep breath. We understand that video essays can make you feel like you are being put on the spot, but Haas is really not trying to stress you out. The admissions committee simply wants a more dynamic representation of your personality than a written essay can provide. So just deliver your response honestly, as smoothly as you can (despite any nervousness you might be feeling), and be yourself. 

If you have not done so already, you should of course start by familiarizing yourself with the four Defining Leadership Principles so you can determine which one you connect with most and should therefore speak on in your video: Question the Status Quo, Confidence Without Attitude, Students Always, and Beyond Yourself. This question offers you incredible flexibility and is essentially an opportunity for you to share a strong relevant story from your past—one that relates directly to one of the four key principles. First you must “introduce yourself to the admissions committee,” and given that this part is about a topic you know very well (you!), the only real challenge will be keeping this portion succinct. (Remember that your entire video can be no longer than two minutes!) After that, launch right into your story. Absolutely avoid beginning your anecdote with a statement like “The key principle I have displayed is [fill in the blank].” Instead, let your actions speak for themselves and naturally reveal the connection with one of Haas’s four key tenets. If that connection is not clear on its own, you need to keep refining your story until it is. In a little under two minutes, you can absolutely convey a clear narrative with a distinct beginning, middle, and end that shows the admissions committee your strengths, rather than simply stating that you possess certain characteristics. Do not use any part of your video to pitch your candidacy, detail your career goals, or express your admiration for the program. 

Remember to bring energy and enthusiasm to your submission. You are trying to connect with the admissions committee as well as communicate information, so a little charisma is welcome.

Required Essay #4 (Short Answer): Can you please describe any experience or exposure you have in the area of diversity, equity, inclusion, justice, and belonging whether through community organizations, personal, or in the workplace? (300 words max)

Without question, diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) are on many people’s (and companies’) minds these days, and Haas is certainly not the only top MBA program asking its applicants to discuss these topics. Some schools are asking candidates to discuss a time when they cultivated a more diverse community or encountered a challenge related to DEI or had their world view altered by a DEI-related experience, but Haas’s prompt leaves things a bit more open-ended: “ any experience or exposure” (emphasis ours). Given that this is a required essay—albeit a short one—this leeway will likely be helpful to candidates who might have less exposure to such issues or environments.

You can draw from any area of your life (professional, personal, community/volunteer), so truly reflect on the entirety of your background for possible stories for this essay. Consider your role in the different situations. Were you a leader of a diverse team? A participant or member of a diverse group? An observer? The object of someone else’s focus? Next, consider both your actions and the effect the experience had on you. Did you learn a valuable takeaway or change your mind about an issue, person, or group? Did you change someone else’s perspective? Were you inspired to act in some way—or to maybe cease acting in some way? Did you have to (or choose to) speak up or confront someone, and if so, why? 

You do not need to have led a revolution or camped out for days in protest to craft a compelling, effective response to this question (though such stories would understandably make an impression). Authenticity, honesty, and sincerity are all key here. Speak genuinely and directly about your personal experience in the DEI/justice/belonging space and share its import for you and the effect it has had on you, so the Haas admissions committee can understand your level of  familiarity and engagement with these meaningful issues.

Optional Essays: The admissions team takes a holistic approach to application review and seeks to understand all aspects of a candidate’s character, qualifications, and experiences. We will consider achievements in the context of the opportunities available to a candidate. Some applicants may have faced hardships or unusual life circumstances, and we will consider the maturity, perseverance, and thoughtfulness with which they have responded to and/or overcome them.

Optional information #1: we invite you to help us better understand the context of your opportunities and achievements..

1. What is the highest level of education completed by your parent(s) or guardian(s)? 

• Did not complete high school
• High school diploma or equivalency (GED), associate’s degree (junior college), or vocational degree/license
• Bachelor’s degree (BA, BS)
• Master’s degree (MA, MS)
• Doctorate or professional degree (MD, JD, DDS)

2. What is the most recent occupation of your parent(s) or guardian(s)?

• Skilled worker
• Professional

3. If you were raised in one of the following household types, please indicate.

• Raised by a single parent
• Raised by an extended family member (grandparent, aunt/uncle, niece/nephew, cousin)
• Raised in a multi-generational home
• Raised in foster care

4. What was the primary language spoken in your childhood home?

5. If you have ever been responsible for providing significant and continuing financial or supervisory support for someone else, please indicate.

• Extended family member (grandparent, aunt/uncle, niece/nephew, cousin)

6. Please elaborate on any of your above responses. Alternatively, you may use this opportunity to expand on other hardships or unusual life circumstances that may help us understand the context of your opportunities, achievements, and impact. (300 words maximum)

Optional Information #2: This section should only be used to convey relevant information not addressed elsewhere in your application. This may include explanation of employment gaps, academic aberrations, supplemental coursework, etc. You are encouraged to use bullet points where appropriate.

Although Berkeley Haas’s first optional essay prompt is somewhat elaborate, it is not necessarily all that complicated, and we imagine it will offer some applicants an easy way of highlighting particular elements of their background without having to try to fit them into a different essay. The school clearly wants direct information and basic explanation(s) from this option, so simply answer the questions and succinctly provide any necessary clarifications using the allocated word count. The second optional essay prompt asks applicants to focus specifically on information they deem most “relevant,” and the lack of a word limit means candidates can fully explain whatever they feel the admissions committee truly must know to be able to evaluate them fully and fairly, though the note about using bullet points implies that succinctness would be appreciated. This is not , however, a blank-slate invitation to dump every bit of remaining information about yourself that you feel the school is lacking. Also, avoid the temptation to simply reuse a strong essay you wrote for another program here or to offer a few anecdotes you were unable to incorporate into your other Berkeley Haas essays. Be judicious in your use of this opportunity, and submit an optional essay only if you truly believe a key element of your story or profile is needed for the school to have a complete and accurate understanding of you as a candidate. Consider downloading your free copy of our  mbaMission Optional Essays Guide , in which we offer detailed advice on when and how to take advantage of the optional essay (including multiple sample essays) to help you mitigate any problem areas in your profile. 

The Next Step: Mastering Your Berkeley Haas Interview

Many MBA candidates find admissions interviews stressful and intimidating, but mastering this important element of the application process is definitely possible—the key is informed preparation. And to help you develop this high level of preparation, we offer our  free Interview Guides ! Download your free copy of the  Berkeley Haas School of Business Interview Guide  today.

To learn more about the essays for other top business schools, visit our MBA Essay Tips and Examples Resources Page .

2023-2024 Berkeley-Haas Business School Essays MBA Essay Tips

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2023–2024 MBA Essay Tips

• BU Questrom School of Business Essay Tips and Examples
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• Carnegie Mellon Tepper School of Business Essay Tips and Examples
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• Columbia Business School Essay Tips and Examples
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• Duke Fuqua School of Business Essay Tips and Examples
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• Esade Essay Tips and Examples
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• Harvard Business School 2+2 Deferred MBA Program Essay Analysis 2024
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• IESE Business School Essay Tips and Examples
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• Oxford Saïd Business School Essay Tips and Examples
• SMU Cox School of Business Essay Tips and Examples
• Stanford Graduate School of Business Application Essay Tips and Examples
• Texas McCombs School of Business Essay Tips and Examples
• The Consortium for Graduate Study in Management Essay Tips and Examples
• The Wharton School Essay Tips and Examples
• Toronto Rotman School of Management Essay Tips and Examples
• UCLA Anderson School of Management Essay Tips and Examples
• UNC Kenan-Flagler Business School Essay Tips and Examples
• USC Marshall School of Business Essay Tips and Examples
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Why Some Companies Grow Amid Uncertainty — and Others Don’t

• Simon Freakley
• David Garfield

A survey of 3,000 global executives suggests that it’s not strategic thinking that sets them apart. It’s their inclination to move quickly.

When you cannot base strategy on reasonably certain premises — or when those reasonable premises are undone by unforeseeable events — what is a company to do? You still have to make plans, allocate capital, and invest for the future. Some argue that agility is the key to thriving in disruptive times, but if all you do is pivot, you are just going around in circles. The annual AlixPartners Disruption Index surveys 3,000 global executives about what is knocking them sideways. Among other things, it shows that three out of five say that it is increasingly challenging to know which disruptive forces to prioritize. Amid all this, there is a group of companies doing very well: about one in five said their companies lead their industry in revenue growth. In this article, the authors dig into that 2024 data to find out what sets these companies apart, and what other companies can learn from them about setting growth strategy in an uncertain world.

Strategic planning plays a key role in helping companies anticipate and manage business cycles. But forces like emerging digital technologies, climate change, and deglobalization — not to mention “black swan” events like the Covid-19 pandemic and wars — have turned a rolling sea into a choppy one, where companies are beset by currents, crosscurrents, riptides, and squalls. This multiplicity of related, unrelated, and inter-related difficulties have one thing in common: They are unpredictable.

• SF Simon Freakley is the Chief Executive Officer of AlixPartners, a post he has held since 2015. He is based in New York.
• David Garfield is a Chicago-based partner and managing director of AlixPartners, and the global leader for the firm’s industry practices.

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• Essay on Business

Example Of Essay On Doing Business In Another Country

Type of paper: Essay

Topic: Business , Politics , Relationships , Culture , Body Language , Criminal Justice , Tourism , Law

Published: 01/09/2020

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Assignment 4

With globalization, the world has become a small global village. International dealings are a normal part of the present day businesses and individuals and organizations need to understand the business etiquette in the foreign countries. When one is not aware of the foreign country’s culture, it becomes easier not to observe the culture. This can be interpreted as lack of respect, which can eventually lead to failure in the business dealing. Etiquette is essential in that, when one learns the customs and culture of another country, he/she is most likely to respect the culture and the people of that country. This is essential in developing business relationships. A normal behavior in one country may not be normal elsewhere. This calls for the need to learn the foreign country’s culture before you set to travel to that country. Before you travel to the foreign country, you need to make some preparations including researching the business etiquette and learning few phrases in that country’s language. This helps in setting a ground for friendship and cooperation. No culture is superior to the other. Therefore, no one should judge the etiquette of others as either inferior or superior. However, one needs to find a perfect blend by toning down the behaviors that may not be welcomed by the locals. When doing business in a foreign country, you need to observe the culture and customs in all aspects. The greeting, meeting, negotiations, and how business is conducted should conform to the culture of that country. For instance, if greeting is by shake of hands, then do so. One also needs to be aware of the legal issues when doing business in a foreign country. For instance, giving or accepting bribes may not be seen as a crime in one country. It is also important to understand the body language of that country. Just like the culture, body language and movements are not universal and can be misinterpreted to mean a different thing. It’s therefore advisable to be calm, controlled, formal and attentive. Patting, slapping, or holding the hands of the other should be avoided. Relationships should be very formal when doing business and the professional code of conduct should be observed at all levels. Business cards should be designed and presented in accordance with the country’s culture. The card should be translated in the local language. It is important to use translators and interpreters. This makes it much easier to understand the local business network and the legal system. Besides, interpreters act as intermediaries and this comes with multiple benefits. Before giving the gifts, one should know the etiquette. For instance, you should know the reasons why the gift is given, whether the country’s policies allows for the gifts, how the gift is given, type of gifts, and so on. In some countries, giving gifts carry negative connotations, and is prohibited. In other countries, gifts are normal part of business and are exchanged for celebrations and as sweeteners for further favors. In some countries, you may be asked the type of gift you want while in others, gift is given as a surprise.

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Doing Business in the U.S Term Paper

Introduction, political/legal environment, economic environment, sociocultural environment, technological environment, hofstede’s country characteristics, reference list.

Doing business in a foreign country is not an easy thing. A company that is keen on investing in a foreign country has to examine the attractiveness of the foreign market in order to decide whether it is prudent to invest there. In this case, the company has to assess the ease or difficulty of doing business in such a country and some of the hurdles that it needs to overcome (Griffin & Pustay, 2005).

This paper is an attempt to determine the political/legal, economic, socio-cultural and technological environment of the U.S market. In addition, the paper shall also explore the Hofstede’s country characteristics of the United States.

The political risk of doing business in the U. S is very low. The country is stable politically, not to mention that it has a very strong legal system. The U.S government has adopted an expansionary fiscal policy aimed at stimulating the economy that was hard hit by the 2007-2009 global financial crisis.

As a result, the country’s budget deficit has increased significantly (Hill & McKaig, 2012). The U.S government is also committed to tackling the issue of national security as this can have a negative impact on business activities (Hill & McKaig, 2012).

The Obama administration is committed to tackling terrorism and this has helped to quell societal tension. In addition, the U.S government enjoys stable international diplomatic relationships with other countries, and this has helped to foster growth and development in foreign direct investments.

The United States also has an integral and reliable legal system. This would be an added advantage to a company that is interested in doing business in the country. However, such a company needs to take note of various municipal, state and federal laws that govern business operations in the United States.

Although federal laws apply across the country, municipal and state laws tend to differ from one state to another and as such, it is important for potential investors to take note of such laws and how they are likely to affect their business. International businesses in the U.S wishing to settle emerging disputes with customers and suppliers have nondiscriminatory access to the country’s legal system. Moreover, such business can easily get good lawyers to handle such disputes.

Some of the issues to consider in terms of the economic environment of the U.S are inflation, infrastructure, wages, interest rates, and taxation. The U.S is ranked as a high income country and as such, it is a viable market worth venturing (Wetherly, & Otter, 2008). The U. S economy is based on a free enterprise system.

The country’s economy has remained relatively stable for decades, up to the recent global financial crisis. However, the Federal Reserve has put in place measures to deal with the global financial crisis and this has seen the U.S currency gain against major foreign currencies. Consequently, the country’s inflation rate has reduced and currency fluctuation has stabilized. This is encouraging news to would-be investors.

When a company decides to do business in another country, it should be prepared to encounter subtle sociocultural differences. For this reason, the company that wishes to invest in a foreign country should make an effort to learn the taboos and cultural practices of the country.

Otherwise, this could lead to a complete lack of trust and grave misunderstandings (Hofstede, Hofstede, & Minkov, 2010). Americans are known to hold business conversations during meals. As such, it is not unusual for business meetings to be conducted during dinner or a luncheon. However, such an arrangement depends on the time schedule and necessity.

In addition, Americans treat dinners or luncheons as social meals where one can build rapport with business partners. Many US companies limit or discourage giving of gifts during business meetings (Hofstede et al., 2010) and bribes are unacceptable. Maintaining good eye contact during business meetings is always recommended. A firm handshake should also be maintained, but it should not exceed 3 to 5 seconds.

A country’s resource base is the starting point of its technological environment. The United States has managed to shape its technological environment by encouraging both local and foreign investments. In addition, the country has invested heavily in various infrastructures, including communication systems, waterworks, and a sound transport network.

This makes it easier for businesses to both produce and distribute their goods. Besides, the U. S has invested heavily in its human capital by way of improving the skills and knowledge of its citizens. By investing in human capital and infrastructure, the U.S has continued to do well in the global market in spite of having to pay higher wages to its workforce.

In addition, the US legal system offers a high degree of protection to intellectual property rights such as copyrights, patents, brand names, and trademarks. For this reason, an increasingly larger number of foreign businesses are willing to invest in the U. S.

Power/Distance (PD)

PD refers to the level of power disparity among people. A high PD is a sign that the society in question has accepted the existing unequal distribution of power. Furthermore, it is a sign that people know “their place” within the system (Hofstede, 2007). On the other hand, low PD is indicative of well dispersed and shared power.

Flatter organizations are characterized by low PD whereby both employees and supervisors are regarded as near equals. On the other hand, centralized companies enjoy high PD with strong hierarchies, large gaps in authority, compensation, and respect.

According to Hofstede’s cultural dimension ranking, the US has a PD of 40, which is quite low compared with the global average of 55 (Hofstede, 2007). This means that there is enhanced equality between the government, society, organizational, and families. Such an orientation enhances supportive relations across power levels, in addition to establishing a steady cultural environment.

Individualism (IDV)

IDV entails the existing ties among members of the community. In case the IDV score is high, this is a sign of a loose connection among people in the community. If a county has a high IDV score, it means that its people feel less obligated to share. In addition, they are also less likely to share interpersonal connection with the rest of the population, other than their families and close friends.

In contrast, people in countries with low IDV scores demonstrate strong group cohesion. In addition, they are also highly loyal to and respect group members. The United States has a high IDV score of 91 (Hofstede, 2007). What this means is that the American society has an individualistic attitude. In addition, Americans have relatively loose bonds with other members of society. Americans also tend to be self-reliant.

They are also likely to look out for themselves and their families. In a country with a high IDV score like the United States, society attaches a lot of value to time and freedom. Moreover, American expects to be rewarded for a job well-done. Nevertheless, Americans do not mind working under a challenging environment. Another characteristic of a country with a high IDV score is respect for privacy.

Masculinity (MAS)

A masculine society attaches a lot of value to gender roles. In countries where society expects men to provide for their families, the MAS score is always high. On the other hand, in a low MAS society, there is no reversal of gender roles. In such a society, both genders have to work equally across different professions.

In a country with a low MAS score, women are encouraged to work as hard as their male counterparts in order to succeed in various professions. On the other hand, men in such a society tend to be sensitive to the plight of women. The United States had an MAS score of 62, in comparison with the world average score of 50 (Roberts & Taylor, 2012).

This shows a high level of gender differentiation of roles in the US. Males are quite dominant in terms of power structure and at the societal level. As a result, the female population has become quite competitive and assertive.

Uncertainty/Avoidance Index (UAI)

UAI is a tool used to measure anxiety levels in a society faced with unknown or uncertain situations. Countries with high UAI scores endeavor to shun unclear situations as much as possible. Such countries endeavor to seek for a collective “truth”. In addition, such countries are normally governed in an orderly manner and in line with the existing rules.

In contrast, countries with a low UAI score can accommodate new events and also value differences. However, rules tend to be few and far between and society takes a lot of pride in discovering its own truth. The United States has an UAI of 46, in comparison with a global average of 64 (Roberts & Taylor, 2012). This is a low UAI score. This is a sign that the American society is governed by few rules. Also, the low UAI score is indicative of a society that can tolerate divergent beliefs and ideas.

Long Term Orientation (LTO)

LTO is a measure of the extent to which society upholds long-term standing values and traditions, as opposed to short-term ones. The United States has a low LTO score of 29 against a global average of 45 (Roberts & Taylor, 2012). This is a sign that the society has a lot of faith in fulfilling its obligations. In addition, the low LTO score indicates that the American society appreciates cultural traditions.

The U.S has a low political risk and a stable legal and political system. In addition, the country’s currency is fairly stable. Also, the free enterprise system is quite attractive to companies that would want to do business in the U.S. The country has invested heavily in such infrastructure as communication systems and transport network, further encouraging local and foreign investors.

Also, the high degree of protection to intellectual property is another reason why companies would want to do business in the U.S. The American society is characterized by low power distance, meaning that there is enhanced quality and supportive relations across power levels. On the other hand, the high individualism means that Americans respect privacy and self reliance. In contrast, the low UAI shows that the American society is highly tolerant, while low LTO indicates that the American society upholds cultural traditions.

Griffin, R. W., & Pustay, M. W. (2005). International business: a managerial perspective . Upper Saddle River, New Jersey.

Hill, C., & McKaig, T. (2012). Global Business Today, 3 rd Canadian Edition . Toronto, Canada: McGraw-Hill Ryerson.

Hofstede, G. (2007). Countries . Retrieved from https://geerthofstede.com/

Hofstede, G. (2007). Dimensions . Retrieved from https://geerthofstede.com/

Hofstede, G., Hofstede, G. J., & Minkov, M. (2010). Culture and Organizations, 3rd Edition . New York: McGraw Hill.

Roberts, K., & Taylor, S. (2012). Geert Hofstede Analysis for United States of America . Retrieved from http://www.cyborlink.com/besite/us.htm

Wetherly, P., & Otter, D. (2008). The Business Environment: Themes and Issues . Oxford: Oxford University Press.

• Chicago (A-D)
• Chicago (N-B)

IvyPanda. (2023, December 13). Doing Business in the U.S. https://ivypanda.com/essays/doing-business-in-the-u-s/

"Doing Business in the U.S." IvyPanda , 13 Dec. 2023, ivypanda.com/essays/doing-business-in-the-u-s/.

IvyPanda . (2023) 'Doing Business in the U.S'. 13 December.

IvyPanda . 2023. "Doing Business in the U.S." December 13, 2023. https://ivypanda.com/essays/doing-business-in-the-u-s/.

1. IvyPanda . "Doing Business in the U.S." December 13, 2023. https://ivypanda.com/essays/doing-business-in-the-u-s/.

Bibliography

IvyPanda . "Doing Business in the U.S." December 13, 2023. https://ivypanda.com/essays/doing-business-in-the-u-s/.

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