New world, new rules : the changing role of the American corporation

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. "A landmark book. New World, New Rules will change the way many people think, forcing us tolook 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. "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 "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 society.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. Intense competition, globalization, and economic flux have all profoundly altered corporate America's relationship with employees, shareholders, communities, government, and society.Author Marina Whitman shares both the personal experiences and in-depth research from her distinguished career as a business leader, academic, government advisor, 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. The revolution that this book explores is the transformation of the large American corporation from the secure, paternalistic, and globally-dominant organization of the 1950s and 1960s to the lean, mean, and nimble global competitor of the 1990s.