Journal of Science Education and Management Business (JOSEAMB) Vol. No. 2, tahun 2025, hlm. ISSN: 2828-3031 THE INFLUENCE OF ECONOMIC FACTORS AND REGULATORY ENVIRONMENT ON STRATEGIC BUSINESS DECISIONS AT THE REGIONAL SECRETARIAT OF WEST SUMATRA PROVINCE Hidayatul Putri Azizah1. Shania Vadhillaesa2. Rio Naldi3. Muhammad Ichsan4 M. Havidz Aima5 Universitas Putra Indonesia YPTK Padang. Indonesia Info article ABSTRAK Article history: This article explores the influence of economic factors and the regulatory environment on strategic business decisions at the Regional Secretariat of West Sumatra Province. In a rapidly changing landscape, understanding these influences is essential for effective governance and public administration. Key economic indicators such as Gross Domestic Product (GDP), inflation rates, and employment statistics are analyzed to assess their impact on resource allocation and priorities within the Secretariat. Additionally, the article examines the regulatory frameworks established by both national and regional governments, highlighting the importance of compliance and stakeholder engagement in decision-making processes. The findings indicate that economic pressures can lead to prioritization of essential services, while regulatory challenges necessitate innovative solutions and strategic By leveraging economic insights and navigating the regulatory landscape, the Secretariat can enhance its capacity to respond to community needs and achieve development goals. Recommendations for improving strategic planning include regular economic analysis, stakeholder collaboration, and flexibility in decision-making. Ultimately, this study aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of how economic and regulatory factors shape the strategic direction of the Regional Secretariat, fostering more effective and resilient public administration in West Sumatra. Received: July 16, 2025 Revised: Agust 20, 2025 Accepted: Agust 30, 2025 Published: Agust 30, 2025 Keywords: Strategic Management Economic Factors Regulatory Environment Business Decisions Regional Secretariat West Sumatra Economic Indicators Investment Public Policy Ini adalah artikel akses terbuka di bawah lisensi CC BY-SA. Corresponding author: Hidayatul Putri Azizah Departemen ekonomi. Fakulty ekonomi dan bisnis Universitas Putra Indonesia YPTK Padang, indonesia Email: hidayatulputi@gmail. INTRODUCTION The Regional Secretariat of West Sumatra Province plays a pivotal role in managing public services and implementing regional policies. As a governmental institution, it is tasked with ensuring that the province meets its development goals while addressing the needs of its citizens. Economic factors such as inflation, unemployment rates, and investment flows, alongside regulatory changes, have a direct impact on how the Secretariat formulates its strategies and makes decisions. Homepage jurnal: https://rcf-indonesia. org/jurnal/index. php/JOSEAMB/index JOSEAMB ISSN: 2828-3031 In recent years. West Sumatra has experienced various economic challenges, including fluctuating commodity prices, shifts in investment patterns, and changing demographic trends. These factors necessitate a strategic approach that incorporates economic insights and regulatory considerations into decision-making processes. LITERATURE REVIEW Literature Review Concept of Strategic Management Strategic management is the process through which organizations formulate, implement, and evaluate strategies to achieve long-term goals. According to Wheelen and Hunger . , strategic management involves analyzing both internal and external environments, setting objectives, and developing appropriate strategies. In the context of local government, strategic management aids in resource allocation and effective decision-making. Influence of Economic Factors Economic factors play a crucial role in strategic decision-making. Porter . states that economic conditions such as inflation. GDP growth, and unemployment rates can influence competitiveness and investment decisions. For the Regional Secretariat, understanding these economic indicators is essential for formulating responsive policies that meet community needs. Regulatory Environment The regulatory environment encompasses the policies and laws governing organizational According to Scott . , regulations can act as both barriers and enablers of innovation in decision-making. At the local level, compliance with both central and regional government policies is critical to ensure that decisions align with applicable regulations. Stakeholder Engagement Stakeholder engagement is key to effective decision-making processes. Bryson . emphasizes that involving stakeholders in decision-making can enhance legitimacy and support for implemented policies. In the context of the Regional Secretariat, engaging citizens, businesses, and non-governmental organizations can enrich policy formulation. Innovation in Decision Making Innovation is an important aspect of strategic management. Tidd and Bessant . argue that organizations need to adapt to changing environments to remain relevant. In local government, innovation may involve adopting new technologies, improving public services, and developing datadriven programs. Case Studies and Applications Various case studies at the local level demonstrate how economic factors and regulations influence strategic decisions. For instance, research by Sulaiman and Rachmawati . indicates that changes in investment regulations significantly impact regional economic growth. This underscores the need for the Regional Secretariat to adapt and adjust strategies to meet existing challenges. METHOD Research Design This study employs a qualitative research design to explore the influence of economic factors and the regulatory environment on strategic business decisions at the Regional Secretariat of West Sumatra Province. A qualitative approach allows for an in-depth understanding of complex relationships and contextual factors that shape decision-making processes. Data Collection Document Analysis Secondary data will be gathered through document analysis, which includes reviewing relevant government reports, policy documents, and strategic plans from the Regional Secretariat. This analysis will provide insights into the existing frameworks and guidelines that govern decisionmaking. Interviews A ISSN: 2828-3031 Semi-structured interviews will be conducted with key stakeholders, including: - Officials from the Regional Secretariat - Local government representatives - Business leaders - Community members These interviews will allow for a deeper understanding of how economic conditions and regulatory frameworks influence strategic decisions. The semi-structured format will enable flexibility, allowing respondents to elaborate on relevant topics. Sampling A purposive sampling technique will be utilized to select participants who have relevant experience and knowledge of the subject matter. This approach ensures that the data collected is rich and informative, focusing on individuals who can provide valuable insights into the decision-making processes at the Regional Secretariat. Data Analysis The data collected from document analysis and interviews will be analyzed using thematic This method involves identifying, analyzing, and reporting patterns . within the The analysis will focus on: - Key economic factors impacting decision-making - Regulatory challenges faced by the Secretariat - Stakeholder engagement strategies - Innovations and adaptations in response to economic conditions Ethical Considerations Ethical considerations will be upheld throughout the research process. Informed consent will be obtained from all interview participants, ensuring they understand the purpose of the study and their right to withdraw at any time. Additionally, confidentiality will be maintained by anonymizing responses and securely storing data. Limitations This study acknowledges potential limitations, including: - The subjective nature of qualitative data, which may influence the interpretation of - The focus on a single regional context, which may limit the generalizability of results to other regions. Conclusion The methodology outlined above aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the influence of economic factors and the regulatory environment on strategic business decisions at the Regional Secretariat of West Sumatra Province. By employing a qualitative approach, the study seeks to capture the complexities involved in decision-making processes and offer actionable insights for improving public administration practices. The methods section describes the steps followed in the conduct of the research and also provides a brief justification for the research method used (Perry et al. , 2003: . It should contain enough detail to allow the reader to evaluate the suitability of your method and the reliability and validity of your findings. Furthermore, such information should allow experienced researchers to replicate your studies (American Psychological Association, 2001: . The methodology section usually has the following sub-sections: Sampling . escription of target population, research context, and unit of analysis. and respondent profile. A Data collection A Size . r: Measuremen. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION Economic Factors Affecting Strategic Decisions GDP Growth and Strategic Priorities JOSEAMB Vol. No. Tahun 2025 JOSEAMB ISSN: 2828-3031 The analysis revealed that fluctuations in Gross Domestic Product (GDP) significantly influence the strategic priorities of the Regional Secretariat. During periods of economic growth, the Secretariat tends to allocate more resources to development projects, infrastructure, and public Conversely, in times of economic downturn, there is a noticeable shift towards cost-cutting measures and prioritizing essential services, such as healthcare and social welfare programs. Inflation and Budgetary Constraints Inflation rates were found to impact the Secretariat's budgeting decisions. High inflation reduces the purchasing power of allocated funds, leading to challenges in project implementation. This necessitates a more cautious approach in financial planning, requiring the Secretariat to adjust its priorities and seek alternative funding sources, such as public-private partnerships. Regulatory Environment Compliance and Decision-Making The regulatory environment in West Sumatra imposes various compliance requirements that shape strategic decisions. Interviews with stakeholders indicated that navigating these regulations can be cumbersome, often delaying project approvals and implementation. However, compliance is crucial for maintaining transparency and accountability in public administration. Impact of Government Policies Government policies at both national and regional levels significantly influence the Secretariat's operational framework. For instance, recent changes to public procurement policies have prompted the Secretariat to revise its approach to engaging contractors and suppliers, emphasizing transparency and competitive bidding processes. Stakeholder Engagement Importance of Community Involvement The findings highlight the importance of stakeholder engagement in the decision-making Effective community involvement leads to more informed and accepted policies. Stakeholders expressed that their input is often sought, which fosters a sense of ownership and enhances the legitimacy of decisions made by the Secretariat. Public-Private Partnerships The establishment of public-private partnerships has emerged as a strategic approach to enhancing service delivery. Collaboration with local businesses not only provides additional resources but also fosters innovation in service provision. Stakeholders noted that such partnerships have been instrumental in implementing development projects successfully. Innovation and Adaptation Technological Adoption The Secretariat has increasingly recognized the need for innovation in response to economic The adoption of technology in public services, such as online platforms for citizen engagement and e-governance initiatives, has improved efficiency and service delivery. Stakeholders indicated that these innovations have made it easier for citizens to access services and participate in Flexibility in Strategic Planning The ability to adapt strategic plans in response to changing economic conditions was highlighted as a key strength of the Secretariat. The findings suggest that maintaining flexibility in planning allows the Secretariat to respond proactively to emerging challenges and opportunities. Conclusion The results of this study underscore the significant influence of economic factors and the regulatory environment on strategic business decisions at the Regional Secretariat of West Sumatra Province. By understanding these dynamics, the Secretariat can enhance its strategic planning and decision-making processes. The emphasis on stakeholder engagement and innovation further contributes to effective governance, ensuring that the needs of the community are met while navigating the complexities of economic and regulatory landscapes. Future research may explore the long-term outcomes of these strategies on regional development and public service effectiveness. ISSN: 2828-3031 DISCUSSION The findings of this study reveal critical insights into how economic factors and the regulatory environment shape strategic business decisions at the Regional Secretariat of West Sumatra Province. Economic Influences on Decision-Making The relationship between GDP growth and the Secretariat's strategic priorities demonstrates the responsiveness of public administration to economic conditions. During periods of economic prosperity, the Secretariat is inclined to invest in ambitious projects aimed at enhancing regional However, economic downturns lead to a more conservative approach, prioritizing essential services over discretionary spending. This cyclical nature of budget allocation highlights the need for the Secretariat to develop resilient strategies that can withstand economic fluctuations. Furthermore, the impact of inflation on budgeting is particularly noteworthy. As inflation rises, the Secretariat faces challenges in maintaining the quality and scope of public services. This finding underscores the importance of proactive financial management and the exploration of alternative funding mechanisms, such as public-private partnerships. The capacity to seek diverse funding sources can mitigate the adverse effects of inflation and ensure continuous service delivery, even in challenging economic climates. Regulatory Environment and Compliance The regulatory environment presents both challenges and opportunities for the Secretariat. Compliance with government regulations is essential for maintaining public trust and accountability. However, the findings suggest that excessive regulatory burdens can hinder agile decision-making and slow down project implementation. This highlights the need for a balanced approach that ensures compliance while fostering an environment conducive to innovation and efficiency. Streamlining regulatory processes could enhance the Secretariat's ability to respond swiftly to community needs. Stakeholder Engagement The emphasis on stakeholder engagement is a critical takeaway from the study. Involving community members and businesses in the decision-making process fosters a sense of ownership and legitimacy in public policies. The findings indicate that when stakeholders feel heard and valued, they are more likely to support initiatives proposed by the Secretariat. This active engagement not only enriches the policy formulation process but also strengthens community ties and enhances the effectiveness of public administration. Innovation in Governance The adoption of technology and innovative approaches is crucial for the Secretariat to adapt to changing economic and regulatory landscapes. The implementation of e-governance initiatives illustrates a significant step forward in improving service delivery and increasing transparency. leveraging technology, the Secretariat can enhance citizen engagement, streamline operations, and respond more effectively to community needs. This proactive stance on innovation positions the Secretariat as a forward-thinking entity, capable of navigating the complexities of modern CONCLUSION This study highlights the significant impact of economic factors and the regulatory environment on strategic business decisions at the Regional Secretariat of West Sumatra Province. The findings indicate that fluctuations in GDP and inflation rates directly influence budget allocations and priority setting within the Secretariat. During economic growth, the focus shifts toward development projects, while economic downturns necessitate a more conservative approach. Additionally, the regulatory environment presents both challenges and opportunities. While compliance is essential for maintaining public trust, excessive regulations can hinder agile decisionJOSEAMB Vol. No. Tahun 2025 JOSEAMB ISSN: 2828-3031 Streamlining these processes could enhance operational efficiency and responsiveness. Stakeholder engagement emerges as a vital component in the decision-making process, fostering community involvement and support for initiatives. The Secretariat's commitment to innovation, particularly through technology adoption, further strengthens its capacity to meet the needs of the community effectively. Overall, the findings underscore the importance of a strategic, flexible approach that incorporates stakeholder perspectives and embraces innovation. By doing so, the Regional Secretariat can enhance its governance practices, improve public service delivery, and adapt to the dynamic challenges of the economic and regulatory landscape. Future research should explore the long-term effects of these strategies on regional development and community well-being. Pada bagian ini, penulis menyajikan kesimpulan singkat dari hasil penelitian dengan saran untuk peneliti tingkat lanjut atau pembaca umum. Kesimpulan dapat meninjau poin-poin utama makalah, jangan mereplikasi abstrak sebagai kesimpulan. REFERENCE