The Big Boys

Profiles nine of America's foremost business leaders--including David Roderick of US Steel and Roger Smith of General Motors--and analyzes personalities and styles of power

Consumer advocate Nader and his coauthor here offer a lively, well-researched attempt to unmask the little-known leaders of nine major U.S. corporations. Three subjects (including GM chairman Roger Smith) refused interview requests, but the others agreed to talk and sometimes engaged in provocative discussion of their careers, their companies and major public issues of the '80s. Drawing on public documents and hundreds of interviews with associates and others, the authors examine the views and actions of powerful figures: "tough and resolute" U.S. Steel chairman David Roderick, "under siege" as he closes plants and diversifies; Dow Chemical president Paul Oreffice, a "hard-nosed political fighter" known for the intensity of his attacks on critics; investment banker Felix Rohatyn and tax lobbyist Charles Walker, both highly visible political activists on the corporate scene; and two unconventional executives of unusual "critical insight and candor," William Norris of Control Data and William McGowan of MCI. Also profiled are grain trader Whitney MacMillan and Northrop head Thomas Jones. Nader and Taylor fault these diverse leaders for failing to use their power to meet human needs outside their companies.
Copyright 1986 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Nader and Taylor profile nine top business leaders, among them David Roderick of U.S. Steel, Paul Oreffice of Dow Chemical, Felix Rohatyn of Lazard Freres, and William Norris of Control Data. They look at these CEOs' personalities, styles of power, and business judgments in the context of the companies and industries in which they operate. The authors focus on corporate social responsibility, linking these men's business decisions to social and economic consequences. The conclusion reflects on the extension of such corporate power to influence corporate social responsibility and public policy. Recommended for academic and large public libraries. Elin B. Christianson, Library Consultant, Hobart, Ind.
Copyright 1986 Reed Business Information, Inc.