"Business and Government Relations" Please respond to the following:

• Discuss the main reasons why a business should or should not be involved in political discussions or take a political stand. Use terms found in Chapter 9 to demonstrate your understanding of the material. 

DUE TO ME NOT HAVING A BOOK .. HERE IS ANOTHERS STUDENTS RESPONSE...

I believe that there are times business has an important stake in government decisions and must be involved with political discussion if it has a direct economic impact of the business. One example that comes to mind and was also mentioned in the chapter was the tax credits given to alternative energy company’s such as solar and wind. I work in the energy industry in which nuclear power is made. Last year we were very close to start decommissioning 2 nuclear plants in the Midwest. They are both located in small towns that is really the only employer and would have devastated these areas and caused many people to lose their jobs. My company had already announced the closing of the 2 plants but continued to meet with state officials. Through those meeting finally were able to come to an agreement to get relief from the losses the plants were taking due to the alternative energy credits. In fact, my company this year has announced the closure of another plant. In cases such as these I agree with having lobbyists in place to continue to work in influencing the government to take action when unfair practices are left in place. One area I do not necessarily agree with is economic leverage.  I do not believe a company should just get up and leave an area unless the government does what they want. Unless, what they are doing causes an extreme hardship on the business itself.