New World, New Rules: The Changing Role of the American Corporation - Hardcover

Whitman, Marina Von Neumann

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0875848583 ISBN 13: 9780875848587

Publisher: Harvard Business Review Press, 1999

Synopsis

Throughout much of the twentieth century, the American corporation was looked to as a bedrock of stability and security, a benevolent institution whose power and influence was a trusted force in business and society alike. For better or worse, this corporation no longer exists. The intensified competition produced by globalization, deregulation, and information technology, along with slowed growth and economic flux, have profoundly altered corporate America's relationship with employees, shareholders, communities, government, and society. New World, New Rules is a compelling chronicle of the American corporation's changing role, as well as a perceptive look at what these changes mean for both business and public policy. Author Marina Whitman shares both personal experiences and in-depth research from her distinguished career as a business leader, government adviser, teacher, and influential corporate strategist. One of the first women appointed to a major corporate board, a former vice president at General Motors, and a former member of the President's Council of Economic Advisers, Whitman is currently a director of five major multinational corporations and a renowned scholar of economics and public policy. Here is the remarkable account of what she has observed during a period of unprecedented business upheaval. As it surveys the uncertain new relationship between American business and American society, New World, New Rules challenges our companies and our government to consider new practices and policies that will contribute to corporate viability as well as to the health of American society.

About this title

About the Author

Marina v.N. Whitman is a professor of business administration and public policy at the University of Michigan and an independent director of five leading American corporations. From 1979 until 1992 she was an officer of the General Motors Corporation, first as vice president and chief economist and later as vice president and group executive for public affairs. Whitman was on the faculty at the University of Pittsburgh from 1962 until 1979. She also served as a member of the President's Council of Economic Advisers during 1972(1973.

From the Back Cover

"New World, New Rules is a landmark book. Once in a while a book comes along which gives a whole new perspective on what is happening to the economy. Everyone knows that something happened to the way Americans work-that there seem to be more opportunities, but also far more risk and an attenuation of community. Marina Whitman has provided a novel, penetrating way of understanding the change. New World, New Rules will change the way many people think, forcing us to look behind the raw statistics and address the question of what the modern corporation is really about." --Paul Krugman, Ford International Professor of Economics, MIT

"It's rare to find a book with such important and far-reaching implications that is also written with such flair. Marina Whitman establishes a new high standard in her well-researched and balanced analysis of the collisions between corporate responsibilities and societal needs. Readers will welcome this contribution from a writer whose unique perspective and experience command our attention." --Norman Augustine, Chairman of the Executive Committee, Lockheed Martin Corporation.

"Marina Whitman gives a compelling tour of the American corporate landscape and its wholesale remake. The corporation is emerging as the defining institution of the U.S. and world economy - and Whitman provides a defining account of its awesome ascent. It's all neatly assembled here: de-conglomeration, de-regulation, globalization, harmonization, liberalization, securitization, even incentive compensation and philanthropic contribution. It's personal and statistical, vivid and historical. New World, New Rules is a winner." --Michael Useem, William and Jacalyn Egan Professor of Management and Director of the Center for Leadership and Change Management, The Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania

"New World, New Rules is a work of great relevance to business leaders and policy makers alike. Marina Whitman brings broad business experience and deep economic expertise to bear on her subject. Her history of how American firms have responded to sweeping changes in the world economic environment constitutes a very clear and convincing account of what "globalization" really means. And her focus on the changing relationship between corporations and their many stakeholders helps us understand not only how we've arrived here, but also where we need to go." --Randall L. Tobias, former Chairman, Eli Lilly and Company

"New World, New Rules is a much-needed and reliable resource for readers concerned with important policy questions. Marina Whitman draws upon her extensive background in both the classroom and the boardroom as she establishes a strong case for each of her positions. The result is an informative and lively read." --Kenneth W. Dam, Max Pam Professor of American and Foreign Law, University of Chicago

"This is the book to read if you really want to understand the massive new forces operating on American "big business" over recent years. Marina Whitman brings to bear the combined insights of trained economist, corporate executive, and public policy maker. The result is brilliant analysis-bringing theory and policy alive with real-life experience. And it's a good read as well!" --Paul A. Volcker, former Chairman, Federal Reserve Board

"Marina Whitman brings a unique background as top corporate executive, high government official and outstanding academic economist to two of the key challenges of our age: how to maintain the forward momentum of global liberalization and responsible leadership by the United States. Her new book provides a firm foundation for understanding and addressing the wide range of public policy and private sector issues that must be incorporated in the answers to those questions." --C. Fred Bergsten, Director, Institute for International Economics

Edition details

• Publisher: Harvard Business Review Press
• Publication date: 1999
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0875848583
• ISBN 13: 9780875848587
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 261