NCJ Number
118854
Journal
Terrorism, Violence, Insurgency Journal Volume: 5 Issue: 3 Dated: (Winter 1985) Pages: 4-7
Date Published
1985
Length
4 pages
Annotation
The efforts of businesses to deal with terrorists have impacted on the cost of doing business and also on the areas of management, personnel, and operations.
Abstract
The direct costs of terrorism include: loss of human life, property damages, robberies, ransom, and other extortion payments made to terrorist groups. The cost of terrorist threats may be greater than dealing with a terrorist act. An indirect cost of terrorism is brought about by the accepted responsibility of businesses to protect their personnel. These costs include employing the services of a corporate protection industry and buying hardware. The effects of terrorism on corporate operations includes employee morale, the fear of infiltration by terrorists, and kidnapping of officials. In high risk areas the Department of State may embargo travel by U.S. natives thus affecting the life style and job performances of employees. A corporation's preference in working with the government to handle terrorist attacks is not always possible when the two have divergent goals, or when the government cannot or will not protect business operations. Businesses rarely shut down as a result of terrorism because management generally takes a long-range view balancing episodes of terrorism against the longer term viability of the company. Long-range consequences of terrorism for corporations involve taking greater precautions. 7 notes.