The Political Power of Global Corporations

The Political Power of Global Corporations

Author: John Mikler

Publisher: John Wiley & Sons

Published: 2018-01-25

Total Pages: 256

ISBN-13: 0745698476

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We have long been told that corporations rule the world, their interests seemingly taking precedence over states and their citizens. Yet, while states, civil society, and international organizations are well drawn in terms of their institutions, ideologies, and functions, the world's global corporations are often more simply sketched as mechanisms of profit maximization. In this book, John Mikler re-casts global corporations as political actors with complex identities and strategies. Debunking the idea of global corporations as exclusively profit-driven entities, he shows how they seek not only to drive or modify the agendas of states but to govern in their own right. He also explains why we need to re-territorialize global corporations as political actors that reflect and project the political power of the states and regions from which they hail. We know the global corporations' names, we know where they are headquartered, and we know where they invest and operate. Economic processes are increasingly produced by the control they possess, the relationships they have, the leverage they employ, the strategic decisions they make, and the discourses they create to enhance acceptance of their interests. This book represents a call to study how they do so, rather than making assumptions based on theoretical abstractions.


Book Synopsis The Political Power of Global Corporations by : John Mikler

Download or read book The Political Power of Global Corporations written by John Mikler and published by John Wiley & Sons. This book was released on 2018-01-25 with total page 256 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: We have long been told that corporations rule the world, their interests seemingly taking precedence over states and their citizens. Yet, while states, civil society, and international organizations are well drawn in terms of their institutions, ideologies, and functions, the world's global corporations are often more simply sketched as mechanisms of profit maximization. In this book, John Mikler re-casts global corporations as political actors with complex identities and strategies. Debunking the idea of global corporations as exclusively profit-driven entities, he shows how they seek not only to drive or modify the agendas of states but to govern in their own right. He also explains why we need to re-territorialize global corporations as political actors that reflect and project the political power of the states and regions from which they hail. We know the global corporations' names, we know where they are headquartered, and we know where they invest and operate. Economic processes are increasingly produced by the control they possess, the relationships they have, the leverage they employ, the strategic decisions they make, and the discourses they create to enhance acceptance of their interests. This book represents a call to study how they do so, rather than making assumptions based on theoretical abstractions.

Political Power and Corporate Control

Political Power and Corporate Control

Author: Peter A. Gourevitch

Publisher: Princeton University Press

Published: 2010-06-20

Total Pages: 365

ISBN-13: 1400837014

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Why does corporate governance--front page news with the collapse of Enron, WorldCom, and Parmalat--vary so dramatically around the world? This book explains how politics shapes corporate governance--how managers, shareholders, and workers jockey for advantage in setting the rules by which companies are run, and for whom they are run. It combines a clear theoretical model on this political interaction, with statistical evidence from thirty-nine countries of Europe, Asia, Africa, and North and South America and detailed narratives of country cases. This book differs sharply from most treatments by explaining differences in minority shareholder protections and ownership concentration among countries in terms of the interaction of economic preferences and political institutions. It explores in particular the crucial role of pension plans and financial intermediaries in shaping political preferences for different rules of corporate governance. The countries examined sort into two distinct groups: diffuse shareholding by external investors who pick a board that monitors the managers, and concentrated blockholding by insiders who monitor managers directly. Examining the political coalitions that form among or across management, owners, and workers, the authors find that certain coalitions encourage policies that promote diffuse shareholding, while other coalitions yield blockholding-oriented policies. Political institutions influence the probability of one coalition defeating another.


Book Synopsis Political Power and Corporate Control by : Peter A. Gourevitch

Download or read book Political Power and Corporate Control written by Peter A. Gourevitch and published by Princeton University Press. This book was released on 2010-06-20 with total page 365 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Why does corporate governance--front page news with the collapse of Enron, WorldCom, and Parmalat--vary so dramatically around the world? This book explains how politics shapes corporate governance--how managers, shareholders, and workers jockey for advantage in setting the rules by which companies are run, and for whom they are run. It combines a clear theoretical model on this political interaction, with statistical evidence from thirty-nine countries of Europe, Asia, Africa, and North and South America and detailed narratives of country cases. This book differs sharply from most treatments by explaining differences in minority shareholder protections and ownership concentration among countries in terms of the interaction of economic preferences and political institutions. It explores in particular the crucial role of pension plans and financial intermediaries in shaping political preferences for different rules of corporate governance. The countries examined sort into two distinct groups: diffuse shareholding by external investors who pick a board that monitors the managers, and concentrated blockholding by insiders who monitor managers directly. Examining the political coalitions that form among or across management, owners, and workers, the authors find that certain coalitions encourage policies that promote diffuse shareholding, while other coalitions yield blockholding-oriented policies. Political institutions influence the probability of one coalition defeating another.

The Political Power of the Business Corporation

The Political Power of the Business Corporation

Author: Stephen Wilks

Publisher: Edward Elgar Publishing

Published: 2013-01-01

Total Pages: 330

ISBN-13: 1849807329

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The large business corporation has become a governing institution in national and global politics. This study offers a critical account of its political dominance and lack of democratic legitimacy.


Book Synopsis The Political Power of the Business Corporation by : Stephen Wilks

Download or read book The Political Power of the Business Corporation written by Stephen Wilks and published by Edward Elgar Publishing. This book was released on 2013-01-01 with total page 330 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The large business corporation has become a governing institution in national and global politics. This study offers a critical account of its political dominance and lack of democratic legitimacy.

The Handbook of Global Companies

The Handbook of Global Companies

Author: John Mikler

Publisher: John Wiley & Sons

Published: 2013-03-25

Total Pages: 728

ISBN-13: 1118326121

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The Handbook of Global Companies brings together original research addressing the latest theories and empirical analysis surrounding the role of global companies in local, national, and international governance. Offers new insights into the role of global companies in relation to policy and governance at local, national, and international levels Brings together newly-commissioned research by a global team of established and up-and-coming scholars from the fields of international relations, political science, public policy, and beyond Considers the environmental and societal responsibilities of global corporations. Covers topics including the spatial locations of global companies; debate about the power they wield and their role as catalysts in new forms of governance; and the ways in which global companies share authority with the state and international organizations to drive policy processes Speculates on the broader potential and limitations of global governance


Book Synopsis The Handbook of Global Companies by : John Mikler

Download or read book The Handbook of Global Companies written by John Mikler and published by John Wiley & Sons. This book was released on 2013-03-25 with total page 728 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The Handbook of Global Companies brings together original research addressing the latest theories and empirical analysis surrounding the role of global companies in local, national, and international governance. Offers new insights into the role of global companies in relation to policy and governance at local, national, and international levels Brings together newly-commissioned research by a global team of established and up-and-coming scholars from the fields of international relations, political science, public policy, and beyond Considers the environmental and societal responsibilities of global corporations. Covers topics including the spatial locations of global companies; debate about the power they wield and their role as catalysts in new forms of governance; and the ways in which global companies share authority with the state and international organizations to drive policy processes Speculates on the broader potential and limitations of global governance

Politics and Power in the Multinational Corporation

Politics and Power in the Multinational Corporation

Author: Christoph Dörrenbächer

Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Published: 2011-04-14

Total Pages: 465

ISBN-13: 1139500015

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This book was first published in 2011. The current financial and economic crisis has negatively underlined the vital role of multinational companies (MNCs) in our daily lives. The breakdown and crisis of flagship MNCs, such as Enron, WorldCom, Lehman Brothers, Toyota and General Motors, does not merely reveal the problems of corporate malfeasance and market dysfunction. It also raises important questions, both for the public and the academic community, about the use and misuse of power by MNCs in the wider society, as well as the exercise of power by key actors within internationally operating firms. This book examines how issues of power and politics affect MNCs at three different levels; the macro-level, the meso-level and the micro-level. This wide-ranging analysis shows not only that power matters but also how and why it matters, pointing to the political interactions of key power holders and actors within the MNC, both managers and employees.


Book Synopsis Politics and Power in the Multinational Corporation by : Christoph Dörrenbächer

Download or read book Politics and Power in the Multinational Corporation written by Christoph Dörrenbächer and published by Cambridge University Press. This book was released on 2011-04-14 with total page 465 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This book was first published in 2011. The current financial and economic crisis has negatively underlined the vital role of multinational companies (MNCs) in our daily lives. The breakdown and crisis of flagship MNCs, such as Enron, WorldCom, Lehman Brothers, Toyota and General Motors, does not merely reveal the problems of corporate malfeasance and market dysfunction. It also raises important questions, both for the public and the academic community, about the use and misuse of power by MNCs in the wider society, as well as the exercise of power by key actors within internationally operating firms. This book examines how issues of power and politics affect MNCs at three different levels; the macro-level, the meso-level and the micro-level. This wide-ranging analysis shows not only that power matters but also how and why it matters, pointing to the political interactions of key power holders and actors within the MNC, both managers and employees.

Shadow Sovereigns

Shadow Sovereigns

Author: Susan George

Publisher: John Wiley & Sons

Published: 2015-08-05

Total Pages: 134

ISBN-13: 0745697852

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Lobbying has long been part of the political landscape. But in recent years links between big business and government have become stronger and more far-reaching than ever. Global corporations now demand control over decisions affecting labour laws, finance, public health, food and agriculture, safety regulations, taxes and international trade and investment. They even claim the right to private tribunals where they can sue governments for passing laws that could harm their present or future profits. These business elites dont want to govern directly. They operate behind the scenes - directing planning, setting standards and fashioning government to maximise their own profits. Thanks to the UN Global Compact they have extended their influence to the highest levels of multilateral decision-making and now, via the Davos-inspired Global Redesign Initiative, they are setting their sights on managing world-wide public policy. Elected by and accountable to no one, secretive and highly organized, these shadow sovereigns are destroying the very notion of the common good and making a mockery of democracy. It is high time we challenged this assault on our rights and our institutions. In this incisive and clear-sighted book Susan George provides us with the practical knowledge to do just that.


Book Synopsis Shadow Sovereigns by : Susan George

Download or read book Shadow Sovereigns written by Susan George and published by John Wiley & Sons. This book was released on 2015-08-05 with total page 134 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Lobbying has long been part of the political landscape. But in recent years links between big business and government have become stronger and more far-reaching than ever. Global corporations now demand control over decisions affecting labour laws, finance, public health, food and agriculture, safety regulations, taxes and international trade and investment. They even claim the right to private tribunals where they can sue governments for passing laws that could harm their present or future profits. These business elites dont want to govern directly. They operate behind the scenes - directing planning, setting standards and fashioning government to maximise their own profits. Thanks to the UN Global Compact they have extended their influence to the highest levels of multilateral decision-making and now, via the Davos-inspired Global Redesign Initiative, they are setting their sights on managing world-wide public policy. Elected by and accountable to no one, secretive and highly organized, these shadow sovereigns are destroying the very notion of the common good and making a mockery of democracy. It is high time we challenged this assault on our rights and our institutions. In this incisive and clear-sighted book Susan George provides us with the practical knowledge to do just that.

When Corporations Rule the World

When Corporations Rule the World

Author: David C. Korten

Publisher: Berrett-Koehler Publishers

Published: 1996-01

Total Pages: 374

ISBN-13: 9781887208017

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Addresses the issue of modern corporate power, exposing the harmful effects gobalization is having not only on economics, but also on politics, society and the environment


Book Synopsis When Corporations Rule the World by : David C. Korten

Download or read book When Corporations Rule the World written by David C. Korten and published by Berrett-Koehler Publishers. This book was released on 1996-01 with total page 374 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Addresses the issue of modern corporate power, exposing the harmful effects gobalization is having not only on economics, but also on politics, society and the environment

The Oxford Handbook of Corporate Law and Governance

The Oxford Handbook of Corporate Law and Governance

Author: Jeffrey Neil Gordon

Publisher: Oxford University Press

Published: 2018

Total Pages: 1217

ISBN-13: 0198743688

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Corporate law and governance are at the forefront of regulatory activities worldwide, and subject to increasing public attention in the wake of the Global Financial Crisis. Comprehensively referencing the key debates, the Handbook provides a much-needed framework for understanding the aims and methods of legal research in the field.


Book Synopsis The Oxford Handbook of Corporate Law and Governance by : Jeffrey Neil Gordon

Download or read book The Oxford Handbook of Corporate Law and Governance written by Jeffrey Neil Gordon and published by Oxford University Press. This book was released on 2018 with total page 1217 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Corporate law and governance are at the forefront of regulatory activities worldwide, and subject to increasing public attention in the wake of the Global Financial Crisis. Comprehensively referencing the key debates, the Handbook provides a much-needed framework for understanding the aims and methods of legal research in the field.

Multinational Corporations In Political Environments: Ethics, Values And Strategies

Multinational Corporations In Political Environments: Ethics, Values And Strategies

Author: Usha C V Haley

Publisher: World Scientific

Published: 2001-11-12

Total Pages: 293

ISBN-13: 9814492345

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Multinational Corporations in Political Environments advances and tests a theory of why foreign corporations leave host states. Theories of international business have often ignored the complexity of corporate decisions about leaving foreign countries, generally assuming that the economic and competitive reasons that prompt multinational corporations to enter host states also explain their subsequent reasons for leaving. Alternatively, this book proposes a theory of how different stakeholders' values and ethics shape multinationals' strategic leaving behaviors. Tested in South Africa when US multinationals were facing diverse pressures from stockholders, governments and consumers to leave, the research provides a prism to isolate how different stakeholders' actions influenced multinationals' behaviors. Detailed analyses of subsidiary-level archival data over a period of four crucial years revealed that the multinationals engaged in diverse forms of leaving reflecting their involvements, strategies and stakeholders' influences. The research, the first to test which stakeholders' strategies, including boycotts and sanctions, influenced multinationals and which did not, and to identify their effects on multinationals' behaviors, has enormous implications for policy makers, managers and social activists. The book also applies the findings and explores implications for recent stakeholders' attempts at influencing multinationals and governments, such as Nike in Asia and the Burmese government, through sanctions, resolutions and boycotts.


Book Synopsis Multinational Corporations In Political Environments: Ethics, Values And Strategies by : Usha C V Haley

Download or read book Multinational Corporations In Political Environments: Ethics, Values And Strategies written by Usha C V Haley and published by World Scientific. This book was released on 2001-11-12 with total page 293 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Multinational Corporations in Political Environments advances and tests a theory of why foreign corporations leave host states. Theories of international business have often ignored the complexity of corporate decisions about leaving foreign countries, generally assuming that the economic and competitive reasons that prompt multinational corporations to enter host states also explain their subsequent reasons for leaving. Alternatively, this book proposes a theory of how different stakeholders' values and ethics shape multinationals' strategic leaving behaviors. Tested in South Africa when US multinationals were facing diverse pressures from stockholders, governments and consumers to leave, the research provides a prism to isolate how different stakeholders' actions influenced multinationals' behaviors. Detailed analyses of subsidiary-level archival data over a period of four crucial years revealed that the multinationals engaged in diverse forms of leaving reflecting their involvements, strategies and stakeholders' influences. The research, the first to test which stakeholders' strategies, including boycotts and sanctions, influenced multinationals and which did not, and to identify their effects on multinationals' behaviors, has enormous implications for policy makers, managers and social activists. The book also applies the findings and explores implications for recent stakeholders' attempts at influencing multinationals and governments, such as Nike in Asia and the Burmese government, through sanctions, resolutions and boycotts.

Unchecked Corporate Power

Unchecked Corporate Power

Author: Gregg Barak

Publisher: Taylor & Francis

Published: 2017-02-03

Total Pages: 213

ISBN-13: 1317360532

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This book offers an exposé of the globalized, corporate, financial and state crimes of powerful organizations, drawing on a range of current cases from the recent epidemic of Wall Street securities frauds to the torturing of prisoners by the US.


Book Synopsis Unchecked Corporate Power by : Gregg Barak

Download or read book Unchecked Corporate Power written by Gregg Barak and published by Taylor & Francis. This book was released on 2017-02-03 with total page 213 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This book offers an exposé of the globalized, corporate, financial and state crimes of powerful organizations, drawing on a range of current cases from the recent epidemic of Wall Street securities frauds to the torturing of prisoners by the US.