Bachelor of General Studies (BGS) Degree Practice Exam

Which of the following is NOT a method for local communities to influence a company?

1. Lobbying government policy makers

2. Publicly challenging business decisions

3. Maintaining silence on issues

4. Rallying public awareness

The correct answer is: Maintaining silence on issues

The choice representing maintaining silence on issues is not a method for local communities to influence a company. For a community to effectively influence a company, active engagement is necessary. This can take many forms, such as lobbying policymakers to advocate for regulations or practices that benefit the community, publicly challenging business decisions that negatively impact local interests, or rallying public awareness to highlight issues and gather collective support. Maintaining silence, on the other hand, signifies a lack of engagement or action. It prevents communities from voicing their concerns, sharing their perspectives, or mobilizing support. Without vocal opposition or support, a company might not feel any pressure to change its practices or consider community interests, effectively rendering the community's influence nonexistent. By contrast, the other methods listed actively contribute to shaping corporate behavior and policies.