Introduction to Business 2e | OpenStax Audiobook

OpenStax Audio
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Master the fundamentals of business with this free, fully narrated audiobook of OpenStax Introduction to Business 2e. Created by OpenAudio, this project bridges the accessibility gap for students who need a more flexible, audio-first way to learn. As a 2024 Open Education Award winner, OpenAudio provides free, high-quality educational content to hundreds of thousands of learners worldwide. Our mission is simple: to ensure that essential learning resources are open, engaging, and free of cost for everyone. Read along with the text: www.openstax.org Learn More: www.openaudio.us Free Forever!

Episodes

  1. 5h ago

    09. Motivating Employees

    Why do some employees go above and beyond while others just do the bare minimum? Unlocking human potential is one of the greatest challenges a manager faces. In this chapter, we explore the evolution of motivation—from early theories like scientific management to contemporary insights like expectancy and goal-setting theory. Discover how to move beyond basic incentives to create a workplace that truly inspires. ⏳ TIME STAMPS:  • 0:00:00 - Welcome • 0:00:34 - Introduction • 0:05:52 - Early Theories of Motivation (9.1) • 0:12:09 - The Hawthorne Studies (9.2) • 0:15:11 - Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs (9.3) • 0:22:57 - McGregor's Theories X and Y (9.4) • 0:32:09 - Herzberg's Motivator-Hygiene Theory (9.5) • 0:35:55 - Contemporary Views on Motivation (9.6) • 0:48:54 - From Motivation Theory to Application (9.7) • 1:06:11 - Trends in Employee Motivation (9.8) • 1:25:45 - Preparing for Tomorrow's Workplace Skills • 1:27:28 - Ethics Activity • 1:29:15 - Critical Thinking Case • 1:33:14 - Credits 🎧 PODCAST LINKS:  • Apple Podcasts: ⁠https://apple.co/4pbu5Nt  • Spotify: ⁠https://bit.ly/business2e  • YouTube Playlist: ⁠https://bit.ly/youtube-2e 📖 ABOUT THE BOOK:  This is an audiobook production of Introduction to Business 2e, an OpenStax textbook. This college-level text provides a comprehensive overview of the core principles of the business world, including economic systems, entrepreneurship, management, marketing, accounting, and finance. Minor editorial changes were made to ensure a better listening experience. OpenStax textbooks and this podcast are offered under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (CC-BY-SA). Produced by OpenAudio and Brian Barrick. Read along with the full text at https://openstax.org/details/books/introduction-business-2e. 👨‍🎓 INSTRUCTOR RESOURCES: Enhance your course accessibility by embedding these audiobook chapters directly into Canvas. We provide fully accessible pages and plug-and-play syllabus language to save you time. Explore our complete course Canvas packs at https://openaudio.us/. 😃 ENJOY THIS RESOURCE?  We love to hear from our listeners. Please consider leaving a YouTube comment, rating the podcast, or reaching out through our website at https://openaudio.us/ to share your experience with this audiobook.

    1h 34m

  2. 3d ago

    08. Managing Human Resources and Labor Relations

    From the day an employee is hired until the day they move on, human resources management is responsible for navigating a vast landscape of laws, expectations, and relationships. This chapter examines how companies balance organizational needs with the rights of their workers. We cover everything from the nuts and bolts of direct and indirect pay to the high-stakes world of union organizing and conflict resolution in today’s competitive global market. ⏳ TIME STAMPS:  • 0:00:00 - Welcome • 0:00:36 - Introduction • 0:07:57 - Achieving High Performance through Human Resources Management (8.1) • 0:18:36 - Employee Recruitment (8.2) • 0:25:17 - Employee Selection (8.3) • 0:36:49 - Employee Training and Development (8.4) • 0:47:27 - Performance Planning and Evaluation (8.5) • 0:55:31 - Employee Compensation and Benefits (8.6) • 1:08:24 - The Labor Relations Process (8.7) • 1:25:54 - Managing Grievances and Conflicts (8.8) • 1:33:18 - Legal Environment of Human Resources and Labor Relations (8.9) • 1:46:08 - Trends in Human Resource Management and Labor Relations (8.10) • 1:56:16 - Preparing for Tomorrow's Workplace Skills • 1:59:39 - Ethics Activity • 2:02:15 - Critical Thinking Case • 2:06:22 - Credits 🎧 PODCAST LINKS:  • Apple Podcasts: ⁠https://apple.co/4pbu5Nt  • Spotify: ⁠https://bit.ly/business2e  • YouTube Playlist: ⁠https://bit.ly/youtube-2e 📖 ABOUT THE BOOK:  This is an audiobook production of Introduction to Business 2e, an OpenStax textbook. This college-level text provides a comprehensive overview of the core principles of the business world, including economic systems, entrepreneurship, management, marketing, accounting, and finance. Minor editorial changes were made to ensure a better listening experience. OpenStax textbooks and this podcast are offered under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (CC-BY-SA). Produced by OpenAudio and Brian Barrick. Read along with the full text at https://openstax.org/details/books/introduction-business-2e. 👨‍🎓 INSTRUCTOR RESOURCES: Enhance your course accessibility by embedding these audiobook chapters directly into Canvas. We provide fully accessible pages and plug-and-play syllabus language to save you time. Explore our complete course Canvas packs at https://openaudio.us/. 😃 ENJOY THIS RESOURCE?  We love to hear from our listeners. Please consider leaving a YouTube comment, rating the podcast, or reaching out through our website at https://openaudio.us/ to share your experience with this audiobook.

    2h 7m

  3. 4d ago

    07. Designing Organizational Structures

    How should a company structure itself to get the job done effectively? In this chapter, we compare traditional departmentalization—grouping employees by function, product, or geography—with modern, flexible approaches like matrix and team-based structures. We’ll explore why companies are increasingly prioritizing collaboration through cross-functional and self-managed teams, examine how the "informal organization" influences work behind the scenes, and discuss how these organizational designs ultimately impact motivation, performance, and the ability to thrive in a changing global landscape. ⏳ TIME STAMPS:  • 0:00:00 - Welcome • 0:00:35 - Introduction • 0:06:04 - Building Organizational Structures (7.1) • 0:20:49 - Contemporary Structures (7.2) • 0:27:52 - Using Teams to Enhance Motivation and Performance (7.3) • 0:42:16 - Authority—Establishing Organizational Relationships (7.4) • 0:50:48 - Degree of Centralization (7.5) • 0:55:14 - Organizational Design Considerations (7.6) • 1:07:12 - The Informal Organization (7.7) • 1:10:57 - Trends in Organizational Structure (7.8) • 1:22:56 - Preparing for Tomorrow's Workplace Skills • 1:25:28 - Ethics Activity • 1:27:39 - Critical Thinking Case • 1:31:34 - Credits 🎧 PODCAST LINKS:  • Apple Podcasts: ⁠https://apple.co/4pbu5Nt  • Spotify: ⁠https://bit.ly/business2e  • YouTube Playlist: ⁠https://bit.ly/youtube-2e 📖 ABOUT THE BOOK:  This is an audiobook production of Introduction to Business 2e, an OpenStax textbook. This college-level text provides a comprehensive overview of the core principles of the business world, including economic systems, entrepreneurship, management, marketing, accounting, and finance. Minor editorial changes were made to ensure a better listening experience. OpenStax textbooks and this podcast are offered under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (CC-BY-SA). Produced by OpenAudio and Brian Barrick. Read along with the full text at https://openstax.org/details/books/introduction-business-2e. 👨‍🎓 INSTRUCTOR RESOURCES: Enhance your course accessibility by embedding these audiobook chapters directly into Canvas. We provide fully accessible pages and plug-and-play syllabus language to save you time. Explore our complete course Canvas packs at https://openaudio.us/. 😃 ENJOY THIS RESOURCE?  We love to hear from our listeners. Please consider leaving a YouTube comment, rating the podcast, or reaching out through our website at https://openaudio.us/ to share your experience with this audiobook.

    1h 32m

  4. 5d ago

    06. Management and Leadership in Today's Organizations

    What separates a manager who merely watches the clock from one who inspires a culture of success? In this chapter, we go inside the mind of the manager. From navigating the complexities of strategic planning to mastering the delicate art of human relations, we’ll break down how to lead with purpose, handle crisis management under pressure, and foster a corporate culture that keeps everyone moving in the right direction. ⏳ TIME STAMPS:  • 0:00:00 - Welcome • 0:00:36 - Introduction • 0:05:53 - The Role of Management (6.1) • 0:11:21 - Planning (6.2) • 0:28:02 - Organizing (6.3) • 0:31:40 - Leading, Guiding, and Motivating Others (6.4) • 0:49:37 - Controlling (6.5) • 0:53:34 - Managerial Roles (6.6) • 1:02:19 - Managerial Skills (6.7) • 1:06:18 - Trends in Management and Leadership (6.8) • 1:17:10 - Preparing for Tomorrow's Workplace Skills • 1:19:18 - Ethics Activity • 1:21:27 - Critical Thinking Case • 1:25:22 - Credits 🎧 PODCAST LINKS:  • Apple Podcasts: ⁠https://apple.co/4pbu5Nt  • Spotify: ⁠https://bit.ly/business2e  • YouTube Playlist: ⁠https://bit.ly/youtube-2e 📖 ABOUT THE BOOK:  This is an audiobook production of Introduction to Business 2e, an OpenStax textbook. This college-level text provides a comprehensive overview of the core principles of the business world, including economic systems, entrepreneurship, management, marketing, accounting, and finance. Minor editorial changes were made to ensure a better listening experience. OpenStax textbooks and this podcast are offered under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (CC-BY-SA). Produced by OpenAudio and Brian Barrick. Read along with the full text at https://openstax.org/details/books/introduction-business-2e. 👨‍🎓 INSTRUCTOR RESOURCES: Enhance your course accessibility by embedding these audiobook chapters directly into Canvas. We provide fully accessible pages and plug-and-play syllabus language to save you time. Explore our complete course Canvas packs at https://openaudio.us/. 😃 ENJOY THIS RESOURCE?  We love to hear from our listeners. Please consider leaving a YouTube comment, rating the podcast, or reaching out through our website at https://openaudio.us/ to share your experience with this audiobook.

    1h 26m

  5. 6d ago

    05. Entrepreneurship: Starting and Managing Your Own Business

    Ever wondered if you have what it takes to turn a "what if" into a reality? In this chapter, we dive into the DNA of the entrepreneur. We’ll explore what drives innovators to start their own businesses, the vital role small businesses play as the engine of the U.S. economy, and the essential steps to crafting a business plan that actually gets funded. Whether you’re a dreamer or a future founder, this is your roadmap to starting up. ⏳ TIME STAMPS:  • 0:00:00 - Welcome • 0:00:36 - Introduction • 0:06:32 - Entrepreneurship Today (5.1) • 0:24:47 - Characteristics of Successful Entrepreneurs (5.2) • 0:34:19 - Small Business: Driving America's Growth (5.3) • 0:41:04 - Ready, Set, Start Your Own Business (5.4) • 1:05:45 - Managing a Small Business (5.5) • 1:16:23 - Small Business, Large Impact (5.6) • 1:22:50 - The Small Business Administration (5.7) • 1:27:59 - Trends in Entrepreneurship and Small-Business Ownership (5.8) • 1:36:48 - Preparing for Tomorrow's Workplace Skills • 1:40:41 - Ethics Activity • 1:42:07 - Critical Thinking Case • 1:46:57 - Credits 🎧 PODCAST LINKS:  • Apple Podcasts: ⁠https://apple.co/4pbu5Nt  • Spotify: ⁠https://bit.ly/business2e  • YouTube Playlist: ⁠https://bit.ly/youtube-2e 📖 ABOUT THE BOOK:  This is an audiobook production of Introduction to Business 2e, an OpenStax textbook. This college-level text provides a comprehensive overview of the core principles of the business world, including economic systems, entrepreneurship, management, marketing, accounting, and finance. Minor editorial changes were made to ensure a better listening experience. OpenStax textbooks and this podcast are offered under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (CC-BY-SA). Produced by OpenAudio and Brian Barrick. Read along with the full text at https://openstax.org/details/books/introduction-business-2e. 👨‍🎓 INSTRUCTOR RESOURCES: Enhance your course accessibility by embedding these audiobook chapters directly into Canvas. We provide fully accessible pages and plug-and-play syllabus language to save you time. Explore our complete course Canvas packs at https://openaudio.us/. 😃 ENJOY THIS RESOURCE?  We love to hear from our listeners. Please consider leaving a YouTube comment, rating the podcast, or reaching out through our website at https://openaudio.us/ to share your experience with this audiobook.

    1h 48m

  6. May 14

    04. Forms of Business Ownership

    Ready to be your own boss or build a corporate empire? This chapter breaks down the DNA of business ownership. From the solo hustle of proprietorships to the strategic power of mergers and franchises, discover which structure protects your assets and fuels your growth in today’s evolving global market. ⏳ TIME STAMPS:  • 0:00:00 - Welcome • 0:00:35 - Introduction • 0:06:37 - Going It Alone: Sole Proprietorships (4.1) • 0:14:55 - Partnerships: Sharing the Load (4.2) • 0:25:07 - Corporations: Limiting Your Liability (4.3) • 0:45:51 - Specialized Forms of Business Organization (4.4) • 0:52:50 - Franchising: A Popular Trend (4.5) • 1:10:46 - Mergers and Acquisitions (4.6) • 1:21:28 - Trends in Business Ownership (4.7) • 1:30:21 - Preparing for Tomorrow's Workplace Skills • 1:34:39 - Ethics Activity • 1:36:34 - Critical Thinking Case • 1:40:00 - Credits 🎧 PODCAST LINKS:  • Apple Podcasts: ⁠https://apple.co/4pbu5Nt  • Spotify: ⁠https://bit.ly/business2e  • YouTube Playlist: ⁠https://bit.ly/youtube-2e 📖 ABOUT THE BOOK:  This is an audiobook production of Introduction to Business 2e, an OpenStax textbook. This college-level text provides a comprehensive overview of the core principles of the business world, including economic systems, entrepreneurship, management, marketing, accounting, and finance. Minor editorial changes were made to ensure a better listening experience. OpenStax textbooks and this podcast are offered under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (CC-BY-SA). Produced by OpenAudio and Brian Barrick. Read along with the full text at https://openstax.org/details/books/introduction-business-2e. 👨‍🎓 INSTRUCTOR RESOURCES: Enhance your course accessibility by embedding these audiobook chapters directly into Canvas. We provide fully accessible pages and plug-and-play syllabus language to save you time. Explore our complete course Canvas packs at https://openaudio.us/. 😃 ENJOY THIS RESOURCE?  We love to hear from our listeners. Please consider leaving a YouTube comment, rating the podcast, or reaching out through our website at https://openaudio.us/ to share your experience with this audiobook.

    1h 41m

  7. May 5

    03. Competing in the Global Marketplace

    Global trade shapes the U.S. economy, driving exports, imports, and currency shifts while connecting nations through comparative advantage, institutions, and multinational firms. This chapter explains why countries trade, the barriers and policies that shape markets, how firms enter and compete globally, and the risks and opportunities that define modern international commerce, from trade agreements to rising powers like China and India. ⏳ TIME STAMPS:  • 0:00:00 - Welcome • 0:00:35 - Introduction • 0:05:51 - Global Trade in the United States (3.1) • 0:20:19 - Why Nations Trade (3.2) • 0:27:33 - Barriers to Trade (3.3) • 0:34:06 - Fostering Global Trade (3.4) • 0:42:36 - International Economic Communities (3.5) • 0:52:54 - Participating in the Global Marketplace (3.6) • 1:10:45 - Threats and Opportunities in the Global Marketplace (3.7) • 1:19:54 - The Impact of Multinational Corporations (3.8) • 1:29:10 - Trends in Global Competition (3.9) • 1:40:06 - Preparing for Tomorrow's Workplace Skills • 1:41:20 - Ethics Activity • 1:42:19 - Critical Thinking Case • 1:45:46 - Credits 🎧 PODCAST LINKS:  • Apple Podcasts: ⁠https://apple.co/4pbu5Nt  • Spotify: ⁠https://bit.ly/business2e  • YouTube Playlist: ⁠https://bit.ly/youtube-2e 📖 ABOUT THE BOOK:  This is an audiobook production of Introduction to Business 2e, an OpenStax textbook. This college-level text provides a comprehensive overview of the core principles of the business world, including economic systems, entrepreneurship, management, marketing, accounting, and finance. Minor editorial changes were made to ensure a better listening experience. OpenStax textbooks and this podcast are offered under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (CC-BY-SA). Produced by OpenAudio and Brian Barrick. Read along with the full text at https://openstax.org/details/books/introduction-business-2e. 👨‍🎓 INSTRUCTOR RESOURCES: Enhance your course accessibility by embedding these audiobook chapters directly into Canvas. We provide fully accessible pages and plug-and-play syllabus language to save you time. Explore our complete course Canvas packs at https://openaudio.us/. 😃 ENJOY THIS RESOURCE?  We love to hear from our listeners. Please consider leaving a YouTube comment, rating the podcast, or reaching out through our website at https://openaudio.us/ to share your experience with this audiobook.

    1h 47m

  8. Apr 29

    02. Making Ethical Decisions and Managing a Socially Responsible Business

    In the world of business, success is measured by more than just the bottom line. From the personal values that guide individual decisions to the broader obligations companies have to their communities, ethics and social responsibility define how an organization operates. This chapter explores how businesses balance their pursuit of profit with their duty to employees, customers, investors, and the environment. ⏳ TIME STAMPS:  • 0:00:00 - Welcome • 0:00:37 - Introduction • 0:05:17 - Understanding Business Ethics (2.1) • 0:17:43 - How Organizations Influence Ethical Conduct (2.2) • 0:29:14 - Managing a Socially Responsible Business (2.3) • 0:39:21 - Responsibilities to Stakeholders (2.4) • 0:51:18 - Trends in Ethics and Corporate Social Responsibility (2.5) • 0:57:08 - Preparing for Tomorrow's Workplace Skills • 0:59:19 - Ethics Activity • 1:02:29 - Critical Thinking Case • 1:06:20 - Credits 🎧 PODCAST LINKS:  • Apple Podcasts: ⁠https://apple.co/4pbu5Nt  • Spotify: ⁠https://bit.ly/business2e  • YouTube Playlist: ⁠https://bit.ly/youtube-2e 📖 ABOUT THE BOOK:  This is an audiobook production of Introduction to Business 2e, an OpenStax textbook. This college-level text provides a comprehensive overview of the core principles of the business world, including economic systems, entrepreneurship, management, marketing, accounting, and finance. Minor editorial changes were made to ensure a better listening experience. OpenStax textbooks and this podcast are offered under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (CC-BY-SA). Produced by OpenAudio and Brian Barrick. Read along with the full text at https://openstax.org/details/books/introduction-business-2e. 👨‍🎓 INSTRUCTOR RESOURCES: Enhance your course accessibility by embedding these audiobook chapters directly into Canvas. We provide fully accessible pages and plug-and-play syllabus language to save you time. Explore our complete course Canvas packs at https://openaudio.us/. 😃 ENJOY THIS RESOURCE?  We love to hear from our listeners. Please consider leaving a YouTube comment, rating the podcast, or reaching out through our website at https://openaudio.us/ to share your experience with this audiobook.

    1h 7m

  9. Apr 24

    01. Understanding Economic Systems and Business

    In this episode, we explore the fundamental building blocks of the business world and the economic systems that govern them. We break down the differences between profit-seeking businesses and not-for-profits, and how both contribute to our standard of living and quality of life. ⏳ TIME STAMPS:  • 0:00:00 - Welcome  • 0:00:35 - Introduction  • 0:08:15 - The Nature of Business (1.1)  • 0:24:16 - Understanding the Business Environment (1.2)  • 0:38:30 - How Business and Economics Work (1.3)  • 0:56:06 - Macroeconomics: The Big Picture (1.4)  • 1:12:25 - Achieving Macroeconomic Goals (1.5)  • 1:22:37 - Microeconomics: Zeroing in on Businesses and Consumers (1.6)  • 1:34:41 - Competing in a Free Market (1.7)  • 1:41:11 - Trends in the Business Environment and Competition (1.8)  • 1:54:04 - Preparing for Tomorrow's Workplace Skills  • 1:56:38 - Ethics Activity  • 1:58:59 - Critical Thinking Case  • 2:02:35 - Credits 🎧 PODCAST LINKS:  • Apple Podcasts: ⁠https://apple.co/4pbu5Nt  • Spotify: ⁠https://bit.ly/business2e  • YouTube Playlist: ⁠https://bit.ly/youtube-2e 📖 ABOUT THE BOOK:  This is an audiobook production of Introduction to Business 2e, an OpenStax textbook. This college-level text provides a comprehensive overview of the core principles of the business world, including economic systems, entrepreneurship, management, marketing, accounting, and finance. Minor editorial changes were made to ensure a better listening experience. OpenStax textbooks and this podcast are offered under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (CC-BY-SA). Produced by OpenAudio and Brian Barrick. Read along with the full text at https://openstax.org/details/books/introduction-business-2e. 👨‍🎓 INSTRUCTOR RESOURCES: Enhance your course accessibility by embedding these audiobook chapters directly into Canvas. We provide fully accessible pages and plug-and-play syllabus language to save you time. Explore our complete course Canvas packs at https://openaudio.us/. 😃 ENJOY THIS RESOURCE?  We love to hear from our listeners. Please consider leaving a YouTube comment, rating the podcast, or reaching out through our website at https://openaudio.us/ to share your experience with this audiobook.

    2h 3m
  • 9 Episodes

About

Master the fundamentals of business with this free, fully narrated audiobook of OpenStax Introduction to Business 2e. Created by OpenAudio, this project bridges the accessibility gap for students who need a more flexible, audio-first way to learn. As a 2024 Open Education Award winner, OpenAudio provides free, high-quality educational content to hundreds of thousands of learners worldwide. Our mission is simple: to ensure that essential learning resources are open, engaging, and free of cost for everyone. Read along with the text: www.openstax.org Learn More: www.openaudio.us Free Forever!

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