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We often call a company with the term “Firm.” So, Are firms and companies the same business entities? Well, here I will clear your doubt. And in order to give you the proper knowledge of a business entity that is called a firm, I will start with the definition and types of business firms.
Here you will also know the key differences that a firm and company have. Though in this time of online business we do not use the word firm so often.
Table of Contents
What Do You Mean By Business Firm?
We can consider a firm as a commercial enterprise or a company that sells and buys both or any one of the services and products for making a profit. In the commerce world, the word “Firm” is used as the synonyms of “company” or “Business.”
Any business entity, such as a limited liability company, a corporation, a public limited company, partnership, or sole proprietorship that sells services or products, is a business firm. Choosing firm goals for your business is also a vital factor here.
Accountancy, management, and law consultancy partnerships are only known as firms. They are rarely referred to as a company.
In the year 1744, the term “firm” first emerged with the meaning of ‘Business house,’ in the English language. It is said that the term “firm” originated from the very German word “Firma,” which means a business, name of a business.’ This word came from the “Firma,” The Italian word meaning ‘signature.’
In Early Latin, the word Firmware means ‘to make firm, affirm.’ although, in late Latin, the same word meant ‘confirm (by signature).’
What Are The Different Types Of Firms?
Basically, there are four different types of business firms. And they are
1. Sole Proprietorship
This type of business is owned and operated by only one person. That person has the authority to take all major decisions.
2. Partnership
More than just one person owns and operates this type of business.
3. Limited Partnership
This type of business is quite similar to a partnership. But in this business type, some partners have limited liability.
4. Corporation
Any business, which has a separate identity from its owner falls under the category of a corporation.
What Is The Difference Between Firm And Company?
Yes, it is true that the term ‘business firm’ is used as the synonym of the word ‘company.’ But there are some factors that make firms and companies both different business entities. And in order to understand the difference, we first need to learn a little about the company.
What Is A Company?
This is a kind of business that is engaged in any income-generating activities by involving in the sales of goods and services. Also, this includes all business structures and trades. Companies can be either proprietorships, corporations, or limited liability companies.
Each of them has different liabilities and tax benefits. Those types of businesses are also required to be registered under the Companies Act.
Key Differences Of Company And Firms
- In order to get a partnership business firm registered, it needs a minimum of 2 persons and a maximum of 20 persons. But the scenario is totally different for a company. There is no limitation on the maximum number of persons or employees to be registered as a company.
- When it is a company, the founders of the partners have limited liability only. That means they are limited to only their share of stake in the company. So, if the company gets bankrupt, they will not be personally obligated and will not be held liable. But it is totally the opposite for firms.
- When a business is registered as a company, the shareholders of the company can be or also can not be an employee of the company. On the other hand, firms can be a sole proprietorship or also a partnership that is slightly different from a company.
- In the case of a partnership firm, it has a comparatively smaller number of persons than a company. So, the partners of a business firm have more power to influence decision-making.
Here is a chart in order to understand the differences between Firm and Company:
| Firm | Company |
| It is not mandatory thing for firms to register their business. | If your business is established as a company, it is mandatory to register your business. |
| A firm will never be a separate legal entity. So under its name, it can not enter into any contracts with third parties. | After the registration, any company turns into a separate legal entity. It can and also can be sued under its name. |
| In the case of a firm, there are no such capital requirements when a business is registered as a business firm. | The minimum capital that is required for a company registered is 1 lakh in every private company, and for public limited, the amount is 5 lakh. |
| For firms, there are no such legal formalities like a company has. | When a company has been decided to be resolved along with some popular winding up, there will be many legal formalities. |
| The partners are the management of concern for every firm. | For any company, the directors are the management of the concern. |
Frequently Asked Questions [FAQ]
Which Firm Is Credited With Creating The Perfect Business Apology?
JetBlue is the business firm credited with creating “The perfect business Apology.” It is a major American low-cost Airline Company. By the number of carried passengers, this firm is the seventh-largest airline in entire North America. It has been operated since 1998, with the headquarter in Long Island City, The United States Of America.
An Example Of A Keystone Firm Within A Business Ecosystem Is
A business ecosystem is basically a group of industries that are loosely coupled with one another and also interdependent on each other. They provide related products or services, for example, distributors, suppliers, technology manufacturers, and others.
Let’s understand this with an easier example of the business ecosystem, which is the television network platform. This business ecosystem has four main industries, and they are Film companies or TV stations, Cinema and Broadcast Industry, Advertising media, and lastly, periphery manufacturers.
Related: Best Branding Agency In India
Conclusion
So, now you know a little much or almost everything about the businesses that are considered as a business firm. Though the term firm is used as the synonym of company, both are different business entities. If you have more queries for the same, you can mention them in the comment section below.
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