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Which of the following may happen if a business cuts costs:

A. It may pay fewer taxes.
B. It may improve product quality.
C. It may boost its community involvement.
D. It may hire more employees.

1 Answer

6 votes

Final answer:

Cutting costs may lead a business to pay fewer taxes due to lower taxable income, but it does not directly lead to improved product quality, increased community involvement, or more hiring. These outcomes are dependent on the specific strategies the business pursues after cutting costs. Cost reduction is often a response to competition and can have varying impacts on the business and economy.

Step-by-step explanation:

When a business cuts costs, a variety of outcomes may ensue, depending on the methods employed to reduce expenses and how those savings are utilized. An immediate effect could be that it may pay fewer taxes because lower expenses can lead to lower taxable income. However, cost-cutting does not necessarily improve product quality, boost community involvement, or lead to hiring more employees as these outcomes rely on distinct strategic decisions apart from cost management.

For example, if cost reduction compromises product materials or manufacturing processes, the quality could suffer. Conversely, if cuts are made to streamline operations without compromising product integrity, quality might remain unchanged or even improve. Community involvement typically requires separate budget allocation, so cost reduction in operational expenses doesn't inherently affect it. As for hiring, businesses may actually reduce headcount to cut costs; therefore, hiring more might not be a direct result of cost-cutting unless it leads to substantial growth that requires additional staff.

Overall, the direct association between cost-cutting and factors such as product quality, community involvement, and employment levels is nuanced and not guaranteed. Cost reduction can be a response to competitive pressure where businesses try to offer better or less expensive products, potentially increasing their profits and enabling them to pay their employees more, contributing to the broader economic gains over losses for a nation.

User Pedro Delfino
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