Timely and organized taxation and municipal compliance: An action research on organizational culture and resources

• Main Author: Escareal, Earl Teodoro
• Format: text
• Language: English
• Published: Animo Repository 2016
• Subjects: Shoe industry; Footwear industry; Action research; Via Venetto
• Online Access: https://animorepository.dlsu.edu.ph/etd_masteral/5420
• Institution: De La Salle University

I have always wanted to do something significant in my life to put into effect change that would be useful, not just to me, but also to the organization with which I belong to be it now or in the future. In fact, I was hoping for something big and highly significant, such as leading an entrepreneurial project or, perhaps, even my own business. But, realization and common sense kicked in, telling me that if I could not achieve anything as improving something already in place, no matter how simple it may seem, then what right do I have aiming for something that big? So I decided to start simple and conduct action research within the company whom which I work for, Via Venetto. Via Venetto has been in existence for quite some time in the shoe industry. Surviving on its own, it has made a name for itself. People who are familiar with it know that it sells high end shoes for women. But how does it really run its business and operations? How did and will it continue to survive? Who are the people behind the company and its operations? What are its plans for the future? Those are just some of the questions that can be asked from a myriad of others, because, honestly, there is a lot more to see behind the woodwork so to speak. A business does not just become successful overnight nor just continue to keep on selling products and/or providing its services to profit. There is much more at work than the eye can see. Purchases have to made, employees paid, as well as government and regulatory bodies (on a local and nationwide scale) to be satisfied. The latter is not to be taken likely. It is necessary for the survival of a business entity. These regulatory and government bodies possess the capabilities to impose policies and procedures, as well as reprimand those who will not follow to the extreme that business can be halted and levy garnishment on property and money. Whilst the company is able to comply, it was being done at a, more or less, complacent manner – to the point of risking non-compliance, in terms of late filings and penalties being assessed. Thus, action research was conducted to address the matter of timeliness and organization of the preparation, submission, filing and storage of the documents. Two (2) cycles have been enacted, with the first being a success. It resulted in the appropriate timeline being established and, thus, now being followed by everyone involved participating in the endeavor. The second cycle, however, was a failure. Yet, it was not due to lack of action, but, rather that of the lack of willingness to act quickly as certain unwanted incidents happening may prove to be disastrous as well as the assessment and utilization of adequate resources. Challenges were faced over the entire course of this action research, but were overcome (mostly during the first cycle). Learning has been established as well. All in all, this action research proves that change and improvement is possible, but, it does not just rely on one individual. There has to be collaboration with others and a willingness to focus efforts and resources constructively into a single goal, hence, building and nourishing relationships to make change happen is a must. Not only that, this action research also establishes that companies, not just Via Venetto itself, must be able to address other matters which are relevant to the continuous conduct of business, no matter how immaterial or irrelevant it may seem, as, in the end, it may have worse consequences than initially expected.