POLI2002 Government Business and Society

The relationship between government, business and society is the arena in which the politics that shape the nature of our modern world are played out. Against the political and institutional power of elected government, business is a key economic and social actor, central to the creation of wealth through investment, production and employment. Political and business power is matched by the growing influence of the interconnected and multi-layered non government institutions that make up 'civil society'. This topic explores these relationships and what is expected of the role of government. International comparisons are also used to provide different perspectives of the role of government in the economy.

This topic aims to:

• Provide an introductory understanding of the respective roles of government institutions, business enterprises, and non government organisations, and the relationship of each to the wider society
• Analyse the impact of government and public policy on the business sector
• Analyse the impact of the business sector, trade unions and non-government organisations on government via lobbying and other forms of the exercise of political power
• Contrast the Australian experience of relating government, business and society with the experiences of other countries and regions
• Assist students to further develop skills in comprehension, research, bibliography, analysis, verbal argument and professional writing

1. Analyse the patterns of business, government, labour and community interaction as they relate to the economy, industrial relations, the media, environmental protection and the provision of welfare and community services
2. Understand the debate regarding the role of government in a capitalist economy, the relationship between politics and markets, and the extent to which government should intervene in the economic processes
3. Describe and evaluate the role of lobby groups, especially those representing business interests, within the Australian political system
4. Understand the concept of corporate social responsibility and how it affects business
5. Contrast the Australian experience of relating government, business and society with the experiences in the United States of America and in East Asia
6. Apply further developed skills in academic research, verbal argument and professional writing