The focus as such now falls on responsible governance (Muller, 2012). Chapter 13 questions

1) Strategic importance of benefits

Today, the dynamics of the business environment are suffering dramatic challenges, emerging from various fields. Customers for instance become more demanding; the domestic and international competition intensifies; the technologies rapidly evolve and there is increased social pressure towards environmental sustainability (Brooks and Weatherson, 2000). In such a setting, it is imperative for the economic agents to rely on their staff members to help address these challenges. Today then, the employees are no longer just the force operating the machines, but they are the most valuable organizational asset (Mayo, 2001). In the creation and implementation of the benefits, it is essential for the employers to consider the differences between the motivating factors of various employees.

2) Health care costs

The health care situation in the United States has been growing more and more severe as the medical act become more solicited, as well as more expensive. The aging of the population, the increasing living standards or the technologic advancements all increase the costs of health care (Weinberg, 2007). And these costs are reflected at the level of employers, who are less and less able to ensure full medical coverage for their staff members, and this materializes in employee dissatisfactions, pressures and even conflicts between employers and employees.

The issue of the rising health care costs nevertheless is one of national importance, with ramifications obvious not only within the business climate, but at the level of the entire society. In such a setting then, it is believed that a solution should also be supported by the state, rather than...

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