The world of big business before 1914 -- From the 1920s to the 1950s -- Recent developments -- Profits and profitability -- Survival -- Competence -- Decision-making -- Wealth, status, and power before 1914 -- Business élites in contemporary Europe -- Conclusion
Summary
The manner in which Britain, Germany and France have conducted business this century is analysed in this comparative study. It focuses on key companies and business elites and their performance at critical times
This is a major comparative study of big business in the three dominant European nations across the 20th century. In particular the author looks at the character and performance of the major companies in each country at five snapshot moments through the century. In so doing he offers a broad and sweeping analysis of European business amply supported by a wealth of empirical data. Cassis view often challenges widely held assumptions about, for example, entrepreneurial failure in Britain; the relationship between big business and the Nazis in Germany; and the rebuilding of France in the post war period. To fill out his story Cassis looks closely at the role and character of the business elites in each country and their relationship with wider social and political developments. The book will be essential reading for anyone interested in the development of European business and the links between business practice and the wider social and political environment in each country
