Module 1: Economics Sets the Stage

In this module, we focus on economic fundamentals to understand what impact economic conditions have on a business. We start with developing a global perspective on industrial revolutions, life-changing economic events that change the way the world conducts business.

We then discuss how the economy of the country where a company locates impacts it. As an example, we will discuss the evolution of the economic and business environment in the United States (U.S.); however, the story of economic development played out in countries around the world so you’ll be able to see how economics sets the stage for what businesses and organizations do across the globe.

We finish with a look at the company or organizational level to see how different types of organizations operate and what that means for an organization’s focus, decision-making and communication.

This module has three chapters with a checkpoint at the end of each chapter:
• Chapter 1 – A Global View of Economics
• Chapter 2 – A National View of Economics
• Chapter 3 – Getting Down to Economics in Business
At the end of this module, you will have an understanding of:
• the economic legacy, or the world’s historical inheritance, of industrial revolutions,
• the uniqueness of different national economic systems,
• how business type affects the economics of a business, and
• economic considerations for the communication professional.