Firms, Networks and Business Values

This book offers an in-depth analysis of the forces shaping business attitudes in the cotton industries of Britain and America across several centuries.

In Firms, Networks and Business Values, the author delves into the historical forces that have shaped business attitudes within the British and American cotton industries from the eighteenth century through the twentieth century. Mary Rose meticulously traces the social, political, and developmental differences that emerged during the early stages of industrialization, illustrating how these factors influenced the evolution of firms. She emphasizes the importance of networks in which businesses are embedded, showing how they adapt and transform according to prevailing business values and strategies.

The book offers a comprehensive examination of local and regional networks, the shifting competitive landscape, and the characteristics of communities that contributed to the unique development of the cotton industries in both nations. Rose's research challenges conventional views by providing fresh evidence that highlights how the specific character and achievements of each industry are deeply rooted in local circumstances and historical contexts. This critical synthesis of multidisciplinary literature sheds light on the complexities of the cotton textile industries in two significant industrial nations.

As a significant contribution to comparative business history, Firms, Networks and Business Values is poised to engage graduates and scholars interested in business and economic history. Its insights into the changing forces that influence decision-making within the cotton industries will resonate with those studying the broader implications of industrial development and network dynamics.