The Corporation in the Twenty-First Century
Why (almost) everything we are told about business is wrong
Format:Hardback
Publisher:Profile Books Ltd
Published:22nd Aug '24
Should be back in stock very soon
This hardback is available in another edition too:
- Paperback£12.99(9781805222385)
This book offers a fresh perspective on the changing role of corporations, exploring their legitimacy and future in a rapidly evolving landscape. The Corporation in the Twenty-First Century redefines success.
In The Corporation in the Twenty-First Century, economist John Kay presents a thought-provoking analysis of the evolving role of corporations in modern society. He argues that traditional definitions of corporations, once focused on ownership and economic power, no longer reflect the reality of today's business landscape. As companies increasingly rely on technology and intangible assets, the very nature of what constitutes a corporation is shifting. Kay emphasizes that while corporations have the potential to drive innovation and growth, they also face a crisis of legitimacy in the eyes of the public.
The book delves into the disconnect between the immense wealth generated by corporations and the growing discontent among consumers and employees. Kay highlights the pharmaceutical industry's struggle to maintain trust despite its life-saving contributions, as well as the societal implications of widening pay gaps between executives and their workforce. Furthermore, he scrutinizes tech giants like Facebook and Google, which, despite their unprecedented reach, are often met with skepticism and criticism.
Through incisive prose, The Corporation in the Twenty-First Century challenges readers to reconsider what successful business practices should look like in the future. Kay's insights urge us to rethink the purpose of corporations beyond mere shareholder value, advocating for a more responsible and sustainable approach to business that aligns with societal needs and values.
Original and thought-provoking... A brilliantly erudite account of the major waves in the theory and practice of management * Financial Times *
Informative, funny, and full of deep insights. Truly a magnum opus -- Mervyn King, former Governor of the Bank of England
A characteristically acerbic analysis of the archetypal organisational unit of capitalism and what has become of it as the production of material goods has given way to immaterial and intangible services -- 'Best Business Books of 2024' * Financial Times *
The doyen of British thinkers on the evolution of business * Literary Review *
A very entertaining read for specialists and non-specialists alike. Few writers come close to matching Kay's analysis of what makes good businesses succeed and bad businesses fail -- Evan Davis, broadcaster
This thoughtful critique of the modern corporation weaves history, psychology, economics, and good humor into a persuasive argument that business is fundamentally social and human -- Frank Partnoy, author of The Match King: Ivar Kreuger, The Financial Genius Behind a Century of Wall Street Scandals
Praise for John Kay * - *
An unparalleled communicator of economics to a non-specialist audience * New Statesman *
Kay is both a first-class economist and an excellent writer * Financial Times *
An admirable debunker of myths and false beliefs - Kay can see substantial things others don't -- Nassim N Taleb, author * The Black Swan *
Kay is a brilliant writer * Wall Street Journal *
By exploring ambiguity without lapsing into vagueness, Kay achieves what he advocastes: resisting thinking reductively and rushing to the bottom line. His writing is always clear but never closed. [it is] history written with a sustained moral outlook and world-view... instead of theory it has wisdom... brilliant * New Statesman *
ISBN: 9781805221722
Dimensions: 236mm x 162mm x 44mm
Weight: 675g
448 pages
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