Technology provides a great opportunity to the American Red Cross to deliver services and outreach programs in a more efficient -- and thus cheaper -- manner, which will in turn enable them to engage in more frequent and more extensive operations (CSP 2010). At the same time, many of the group's efforts remain as technologically void as they were at their first inception, as the simplicity of many volunteer efforts and education programs is key to their success (Stuart 2010). Of all of the indirect forces affecting the American Red Cross, then, it is the political forces that have the largest impact on the group's organizations. From resistance met in some cultures abroad to accusations of racial biases in its domestic (and its international) operations, the American Red Cross' neutral stance and existence as a non-profit has not freed it from the political influences and scrutinizes that accompany any large organization. Its monetary intake and expenditure is carefully monitored and openly available in part to address political pressures and concerns (ARC 2010).
Conclusion
The American Red Cross cannot be viewed entirely in the way that a true business entity is seen. It provides essential services, but its customers do not pay for these services -- nor does it pay for many of its supplies...
Both the direct and indirect forces that affect business organizations can be seen as applicable to the American Red Cross with some alterations, however. This clearly illustrates the complex system of forces and influences that the organization must navigate.
References
ARC. (2010). American Red Cross. Accessed 17 January 2010. http://www.redcross.org/portal/site/en/menuitem.d8aaecf214c576bf971e4cfe43181aa0/?vgnextoid=477859f392ce8110VgnVCM10000030f3870aRCRD&vgnextfmt=default
CSP. (2010). "Industry mobilizes for Haiti." CSP information group. Accessed 17 January 2010. http://www.cspnet.com/ME2/Audiences/dirmod.asp?sid=&nm=&type=Publishing&mod=Publications%3A%3AArticle&mid=8F3A7027421841978F18BE895F87F791&tier=4&id=52CBE289D5EA4C6FA0B8BB776E30439D&AudID=B1DB1F916652441DA5A92F5041234756
Scarton, B. (2010). "Red Cross to share fire safety." Inside NoVa. Accessed 17 January 2010. http://www2.insidenova.com/isn/news/local/article/red_cross_to_share_fire_safety_tips/50583/
Stuart, K. (2010) "Red Cross to host safe ids day." Ventura County star. Accessed 17 January 2010. http://www.vcstar.com/news/2010/jan/18/red-cross-to-host-safe-kids-day/
