Which of the following is a possible external factor that may affect businesses due to externalities?

• A. The firm's own production costs
• B. Employee training programs within the business
• C. Internal management decisions
• D. Air pollution from nearby factories

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the concept of externalities: Externalities are costs or benefits that affect third parties who are not directly involved in the economic transaction or activity.
2. Identify internal factors: These are factors controlled within the firm, such as production costs, employee training, and management decisions. These do not represent externalities because they affect only the firm internally.
3. Recognize external factors: External factors are those outside the firm's control that can impact the business or others. Examples include environmental effects, regulations, or actions of other firms.
4. Analyze the options given: Air pollution from nearby factories is an external factor because it is a byproduct of other firms' activities that can affect the business or community without being reflected in market prices.
5. Conclude that air pollution from nearby factories is a classic example of a negative externality affecting businesses, while the other options are internal factors.