Co-operative Structures in Global Business: Communicating, Transferring Knowledge and Learning across the Corporate Frontier (Routledge International Studies in Business History)

Using a series of twelve historical case-studies that are based on extensive archival research, this book explains why firms succeed or fail in communicating or transferring knowledge and discovering new expertise. By analysing how workable trade-offs between opposing forces have been achieved in the past, this study provides a set of guidelines for executives who embark upon inter-firm projects. Book Cover......Page 1 Title......Page 4 Contents......Page 5 List of figures and tables......Page 8 Preface......Page 9 The theoretical and historical context......Page 12 Agency agreements in international business: dynamic model of shipowner agent relations, 1870 1939......Page 25 A family-based network: the Holt Swire Scott connection, decision-support systems and staff development, 1860 1970......Page 46 A multinational joint venture: the Orient Paint, Varnish and Colour Co., 1932 49......Page 65 A purchasing co-operative: the Steel Manufacturers' Nickel Syndicate, 1901 39......Page 89 A licensing pyramid: John Brown Company and International Curtis Marine Turbine Company, 1908 29......Page 108 A technology transfer agreement: Babcock Wilcox, 1880 1970......Page 125 Learning within an inter-organisational group: the Union Steamship Co. and oil propulsion, 1912 39......Page 142 A joint exploration venture: Western Mining Corporation and Hanna/Homestake, 1960 72......Page 163 Contracts based on knowledge: the J. Walter Thompson Company and Unilever compounding intangible assets, 1900 70......Page 181 An Australian supplier chain: the New South Wales Bottle Co., 1909 80......Page 199 Hollywood networks, 1970 99......Page 216 Conclusion: inter-firm relationships......Page 235 Notes......Page 243 Bibliography......Page 248 Index......Page 256 This volume explores how firms operating in industries as diverse as film making, shipping, engineering, mining, and advertising have collaborated to develop innovative services, technologies and products to reach new markets The chapter shows how shipowners and agents designed contracts and employed a public communicating infrastructure to support transactions involving trade-related knowledge.