LibGuides: Business Strategy Development Course Guide: Websites for Business Research

Look for Information on Company Websites

THE GOOD NEWS

Company websites are easy to find with a basic Google search.
The About Us or For Investors sections can provide good background information
You might be able to find a company's annual report, mission statement, etc.

THE BAD NEWS

Companies are not required to share their mission or objectives with the public.
If the main purpose of the website is for marketing or positive PR the info is NOT objective\
The About Us or For Investors sections may not include relevant information

Company Organization Charts

FINDING A COMPANY'S ORGANIZATION or HIERARCHY CHARTS

chaet icon Corporate organization charts (sometimes known as hierarchy charts) may be proprietary information and may not be freely available. In this case finding official "org charts" for some companies may be difficult.. Sometimes you can find an outside source that offers "unofficial" charts (i.e. anyone can edit them). Also,since companies tend to move its employees around, an organizational chart found on the web may not be current.

SMALL OR LOCAL BUSINESS ORGANIZATION CHARTS

With local or smaller business you might contact the company directly, explain that you are a student and need the information for an assignment or a project.

The Official Board
Offers charts for "the world's 20,000 largest corporations." Although it offers subscription options, there is some free content on it's website.

EDGAR This link opens in a new window
Public database from the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) allowing you to research a public company’s financial information and operations. You can also research information provided by mutual funds (including money market funds), exchange-traded funds (ETFs), variable annuities, and individuals.

In the search box, enter your company's name or it's ticker symbol and look under the company's Annual Reports.

Google
Try a Google Search! In the search box, enter the name of your company and "organizational chart "or " hierarchy." Some companies use the term hierarchy instead of organizational chart.

Links to Government Websites for Business

The United States (Federal) government shares information and data with the public through numerous databases and websites. Access to this information is available for free from the government. The following government resources may be useful in helping you retrieve information about specific companies, the economy, and markets.

EDGAR This link opens in a new window
Public database from the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) allowing you to research a public company’s financial information and operations. You can also research information provided by mutual funds (including money market funds), exchange-traded funds (ETFs), variable annuities, and individuals.
Census Data (U.S. Census Bureau) This link opens in a new window
Link to this website to find current facts and quality data about the people, places, and economy of the United States and other countries across the globe.
govinfo (U.S. GPO) This link opens in a new window
This website is a service of the United States Government Publishing Office (GPO). It is part of the Legislative Branch of the Federal Government and provides free public access to official government publications. Use this website to find information for assignments related to government, history, business, and geographic or legal information.
Bureau of Labor Statistics (U.S.) This link opens in a new window
The Bureau of Labor Statistics measures labor market activity, working conditions, price changes, and productivity in the U.S. economy to support public and private decision making. BLS staff is comprised of economists, statisticians, data scientists, information technology specialists, researchers, administrative specialists, and many other professionals.

Links to Other Useful Websites for Business

City-Data
By collecting and analyzing data from a variety of government and private sources, we're able to create detailed, informative profiles for every city in the United States. Find population and other demographic information for La Crosse.
Investopedia: Understanding Business Terms & Concepts
Confused by what terms like "balance sheet" or "market share" mean? Need to learn a little more about what "entrepreneurship" entails. Check out Investopedia's A-Z list of business terms and concepts to help you better understand the language used in the business world.
FAU Libraries: Key Economic Indicators
Links to economic indicators, institutions and agencies.

State and Local Government Websites

City of La Crosse
County of La Crosse
State of Wisconsin
Wisconsin Small Business Development Center
Statewide network supporting entrepreneurs and business owners through no-cost, confidential consulting and business education. Regional SBDC experts facilitate improvement and growth for small and emerging mid-size companies and help launch successful new enterprises.