Connexity - Hardcover

Mulgan, Geoff

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0701163968 ISBN 13: 9780701163969

Publisher: Chatto & Windus, 1997

Synopsis

Ideologies of freedom are driving the global economy: the diffusion of technology, capital, and knowledge allows an ever-expanding proportion of the world's workforce to enjoy the freedoms of choice, speech, and expression. Yet, as the prosperity of individuals and businesses hinges upon distant markets, consumers, and investors, these freedoms have created a new universal dependence. This growing interdependence, or "connexity, " links our destinies and defines our times. Connexity, an inspiring new book by Geoff Mulgan, contends that although the pursuit of individual freedom is frequently at odds with the progress of global connectedness, the two forces must work in tandem if freedom is to flourish. Business, according to Mulgan, is fundamentally linked to our greater existence, and we must conduct it accordingly. Drawing upon an impressive array of ideas-from evolutionary psychology and moral philosophy to the predictions of business gurus-Mulgan argues passionately that to synchronize the forces of freedom and connection, we must go beyond our sense of ourselves and our businesses as isolated units, and embrace the webs of mutual dependability in which we live. "Boldly attempts to rethink the nature of political, economic, and moral structures.... Mulgan's argument is that societies are passing from dependence on tradition and hierarchy through the independence of liberal individualism to interdependence.... If you feel we spend too little time asking what capitalism is really for...connect with this book."--Financial Times

About this title

Review:

Many books have been written about the implications of a globalized and interconnected civilization. But few have the range and depth of Geoff Mulgan's Connexity. The central issue Connexity addresses is the fundamental conflict that exists between the freedoms enjoyed by many, mainly in the Western world, and the growing economic interdependence of so many more worldwide. Mulgan, who is the founder of Demos, a liberal think tank based in London, and a member of Tony Blair's Policy Unit, writes, "Our problem is that freedom to behave as we would wish, without regard for our effects on others, runs directly counter to the other striking fact of the contemporary world: our growing dependence on other people. The world may never have been freer, but it has also never been so interdependent and interconnected. Only a small proportion of the world's population could now be self-sufficient. The rest of us depend on complex systems to deliver us water, food, justice, energy and health."

Mulgan probes the nature of the conflict between freedom and interdependence by examining everything from the nature of markets in a free society to the role of governments in a shrinking world and problems posed by economies which tend to ignore national boundaries. The author argues that reciprocity, or the golden rule, "is the most important idea for a developed democratic society." Whether you agree with Mulgan politics or not, you will find this book to be thought-provoking and timely. Highly recommended. --Harry C. Edwards

About the Author:

Since 1984, Harvard Business School Press has been dedicated to publishing the most contemporary management thinking, written by authors and practitioners who are leading the way. Whether readers are seeking big-picture strategic thinking or tactical problem solving, advice in managing global corporations or for developing personal careers, HBS Press helps fuel the fire of innovative thought. HBS Press has earned a reputation as the springboard of thought for both established and emerging business leaders.

About this edition

• Publisher: Chatto & Windus
• Publication date: 1997
• ISBN 10: 0701163968
• ISBN 13: 9780701163969
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 280