3-4 Task Environment o Task Environment: forces from suppliers distributors customers, and competitors o Suppliers: provide organization with inputs Managers need to secure reliable input sources Suppliers provide raw materials, components, and even labor Working with suppliers can be hard due to shortages, unions. and lack of substitutes Suppliers with scarce items can raise the price and are in a good bargaining position Managers often prefer to have many, similar suppliers of each item " win/MeGraw-HHill CThe McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc, 2000Irwin/McGraw-Hill ©The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc., 2000 3-4 Task Environment ⚫Task Environment: forces from suppliers, distributors, customers, and competitors. ⚫Suppliers: provide organization with inputs ◼ Managers need to secure reliable input sources. ◼ Suppliers provide raw materials, components, and even labor. ◆ Working with suppliers can be hard due to shortages, unions, and lack of substitutes. ◆ Suppliers with scarce items can raise the price and are in a good bargaining position. ◼ Managers often prefer to have many, similar suppliers of each item