For Introduction to Business courses. With its real-life examples and cases, and its lively, conversational writing style, Bovee/Thill/Mescon brings concepts to life and prepares students for obtaining and pursuing satisfying business careers

Preface xvii Part One Conducting Business in the Global Economy 1 In Pursuit of Prosperity: The Fundamentals of Business and Economics 24 2 Business Done Right: Ethics and Social Responsibility 60 3 Wild World: Competing in the Global Economy 96 4 Business at the Speed of Light: Information Technology and E-Commerce 130 Part Two Starting and Organizing a Business 5 Building the Foundation: Forms of Business Ownership 168 6 Putting Yourself in Charge: Entrepreneurs and Small Business Owners 196 Part Three Managing a Business 7 From Planning to Inspiration: The Functions of Management 228 8 We're All in This Together: Organization and Teamwork 262 9 Creating Value: Producing Quality Goods and Services 292 Part Four Managing Employees 10 Lighting the Fire: Employee Motivation, Workforce Trends, and Labor Relations 330 11 Taking Care of Employees: Managing Human Resources 364 Part Five Developing Marketing Strategies to Satisfy Customers 12 Connecting with Customers: The Art and Science of Marketing 404 13 Defining the Exchange: Product and Pricing Strategies 436 14 Delivering Value: Distribution Strategies 466 15 Spreading the Message: Promotional Strategies 494 Part Six Managing Accounting and Financial Resources 16 Getting to the Bottom Line: Basic Accounting Concepts 526 17 Keeping the Engine Running: Financial Management and Banking 558 18 Investing in the Future: Securities and Investment Strategies 586 APPENDIXA A-1 APPENDIX B B-1 APPENDIX C C-1 APPENDIXD D-1 REFERENCES R-1 INDEX XXX B R I E F C O N T E N T S v