Final answer:
Business functions are the various tasks and activities necessary for the operation and success of a company, often guided by a code of ethics. These are split across different roles and departments like marketing, operations, and finance, to enhance efficiency within the business.
Step-by-step explanation:
The term business functions refers to the various activities carried out within a company to ensure its smooth operation and success. These functions typically include tasks and responsibilities split across departments such as marketing, finance, operations, human resources, and more. In the context of providing a conducive environment for these functions, businesses often establish a code of ethics to guide employee behavior, ensuring compliance with laws and regulations, preventing actions like bribery and discrimination, and setting expectations for contributing to environmental and social goals.
Additionally, businesses distribute the workload among a multitude of roles to enhance efficiency and effectiveness. For instance, a restaurant may have a hierarchy of staff from top chefs to servers and janitors, each playing a critical role in the business's core function of serving meals. A business manager might oversee financial aspects such as paychecks and bills to keep the establishment running smoothly.