Ergonomics – The study of designing and arranging equipment and accessories in a workspace to maximize productivity.
History of Ergonomics – Became a distinct discipline during World War II.
Time Management – Prioritizing daily tasks for maximum efficiency.
Common Time Wasters – Disorganization, excessive socializing, and ineffective communication.
Business – An entity where entrepreneurs use resources to produce goods/services.
Free Market System – An economic system where business is conducted freely and independently.
Ethics – The study of moral principles guiding behavior in business and life.
Utilitarianism – The belief in maximizing the greatest good for the greatest number.
Justice – Giving people what is rightfully due to them.
Relativism – Ethics are not absolute but vary by situation.
Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) – Businesses acting in the best interests of society.
Corporate Governance – The system of rules and practices governing a company.
Conflict of Interest – A situation where personal gain interferes with professional duties.
Bribery – Offering money or gifts to influence decisions.
Whistleblower – Someone who exposes unethical or illegal business practices.
Minimum Wage – The lowest legal wage set by the government.
Living Wage – A salary sufficient to meet basic living expenses.
Casual Employment – Work that is irregular and lacks benefits.
Just Wage – A fair salary that considers the cost of living.
Probationary Employment – A trial work period, usually lasting up to six months.
Regular Employment – Long-term employment with benefits.
At-Will Employment – Employees can be fired at any time without cause (except in illegal situations).
Labor Unions – Groups advocating for workers’ rights.
Collective Bargaining – Negotiation between employers and employees (via unions).
Strike – A work stoppage to demand better conditions.
Job Discrimination – Unfair treatment based on non-job-related factors.
Equal Pay Act – Requires men and women to receive equal pay for equal work.
Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) – Regulates wages, overtime pay, and child labor.
Workplace Harassment – Unwanted conduct affecting work conditions.
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) – Regulates workplace safety.
Workers’ Compensation – Benefits for employees injured on the job.
Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) – Allows eligible employees to take up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave for medical/family reasons.
Intellectual Property – Legal protection for creative works and inventions.
Copyright – Protects original literary and artistic works.
Patent – Protects inventions for a set period.
Trademark – Protects business names, logos, and slogans.
Reverse Engineering – Analyzing and copying competitors’ products.
Price Fixing – Companies illegally agreeing to set prices at a certain level.
Monopoly – A single company dominating a market.
Oligopoly – A market controlled by a small group of powerful firms.
Resource Depletion – Overusing finite natural resources.
Greenwashing – Misleading consumers into believing a company is environmentally friendly.
Corporate Espionage – The act of spying to obtain business secrets.
Tax Evasion – Illegally avoiding taxes.
Tax Avoidance – Legally reducing tax liability.
Communication – The most important factor in workplace relationships.
Verbal Communication – Spoken exchange of messages.
Non-Verbal Communication – Body language, gestures, facial expressions.
Feedback – Responses that confirm or clarify a message.
Memo (Memorandum) – Internal written communication within a company.
Business Letter – A formal written message sent outside the company.
Email Etiquette – Keep it concise, professional, and grammatically correct.
Chain of Command – The formal hierarchy within an organization.
Position Power – Authority given to a role in an organization.
Leadership Styles – Autocratic, democratic, laissez-faire.
Organizational Chart – A diagram showing a company’s structure.
Agenda – A list of topics for a meeting.
Minutes – A written record of what was discussed in a meeting.
Workflow – The movement of information and tasks in an organization.
Tickler File – A date-based reminder system.
Petty Cash Fund – Small funds for minor expenses.
Balance Sheet – A financial statement listing a company’s assets and liabilities.
Accounts Payable – Money a company owes to suppliers.
Accounts Receivable – Money owed to a company by customers.
Break-Even Point – When total revenue equals total costs.
Return on Investment (ROI) – Measures profitability.
Profit Margin – Percentage of revenue that becomes profit.
Supply and Demand – Economic principle affecting pricing.
Inflation – Increase in prices over time.
Deflation – Decrease in prices.
Interest Rate – Percentage charged on borrowed money.
Compound Interest – Interest earned on both principal and accumulated interest.
401(k) Plan – A retirement savings plan.
Credit Score – A number that measures creditworthiness.
Customer Service – The support provided to customers before, during, and after purchase.
Public Relations (PR) – Managing a company’s image.
Branding – Establishing a unique identity for a business.
Target Market – A specific group of potential customers.
Market Segmentation – Dividing consumers into groups based on demographics.
Advertising – Paid promotion of a product or service.
Sales Promotion – Short-term incentives to boost sales.
Personal Selling – Direct interaction between salesperson and customer.
Cybersecurity – Protecting business data from cyber threats.
Cloud Computing – Storing and accessing data over the internet.
E-Commerce – Buying and selling online.
Big Data – Large volumes of data analyzed for business decisions.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) – Machines simulating human intelligence.
Telecommuting – Working remotely using technology.
Networking – Connecting multiple computers and devices.
Firewall – A security system preventing unauthorized access.
Phishing – Fraudulent attempts to obtain sensitive information.
Professionalism – Conducting oneself with responsibility, integrity, and respect.
Workplace Diversity – Inclusion of different cultural backgrounds.
Resume – A summary of a person’s work experience and skills.
Cover Letter – A formal introduction accompanying a resume.
Job Interview Etiquette – Arrive on time, dress appropriately, and be prepared.
Post-Interview Follow-Up – Send a thank-you letter/email.
Career Advancement – Developing skills for job promotions.
Networking for Career Growth – Building professional relationships.
Professional Development – Continuing education and training in a career field.