Influences
government policies, legal regulations
Government Policies
A wide range of government polices and legislation influence operations and operations management. The aim of
government regulation of business is to promote safety and fair business conduct. These regulations include those
covering environmental and consumer protection, trade practices, occupational health and safety and industrial
relations. The number of government policies and legislative frameworks needed to be taken into account by
operations management is immense.
Government policies change from time to time, most notably due to a change in government or a change in social
expectations.
Government policies include:
Financial benefits such as grants or tax concessions to ‘sunrise industries’ (new industries) and new
technology where businesses can develop new export products and earn income for the economy.
Reducing the amount of protection certain industries receive from overseas businesses. The gradual
removal of tariffs (tax on imports), quotas and other types of protection has forced Australian businesses to be
more competitive by reducing operations costs.
Trade polices with other countries, making it easier for businesses to trade with other countries, e.g. ChAFTA
(China-Australia Free Trade Agreement), AUSFTA (Australia-United States Free Trade Agreement)
Legal Regulations
Legal Regulations (laws) ‘influence’ businesses as they must abide by these laws in their operations. The range of
laws with which a business must comply are collectively termed ‘compliance’. The expenses associated with meeting
the requirements of legal regulations are termed compliance costs.
The relevant laws will relate to labour and labour management, as well as the environment and public health
including:
• work health and safety (WHS) — in the use of machinery and in interacting with the business environment.
Safe and healthy working conditions require that employees be given appropriate safety training, use of
protective equipment, and work with machines that abide by noise, pollution and safety standards
• training and development — in the use and application of technology and in the appropriate methods
required to work effectively
• fair work and anti-discrimination laws — requiring that employees be treated with dignity and respect
• environmental protection — in the use of minimising pollution, eliminating and safely disposing of any
toxic residues
• apply rules related to public
health — including any fair-
trading rules which influence
product safety standards and
fitness for purpose of products.
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