Continuing my reading blitzkrieg, I am now reading; " National Cultures and International Competition:The Experience of Schering AG, 1851–1950" by Christopher Kobrak. Down the first 100 pages, the book looks interesting.
The first thing that I gather from this book is a better understanding about German historical attitude towards business. The presence of two boards in German companies, developing a "community of interests" and legalization of cartels to counter effects of economic difficulties and capitalism, the effect of wars on German economy (and psyche) and why coal and iron were so politicized are few key points to learn. In fact, it relates very well with why coal and steel were the primary focus in the 1957 treaty of Rome. For the first time I am able to appreciate the difference in business attitudes in Germany from UK, US and India. History does help you to appreciate the present and to avoid mistakes in the future.
The second thing I realize is that Germany was in a very formidable position before WW1, with only US hoping to do as good. With WW1, US expropriated 506 German companies and 12000 German patents. This, along with the American capacity to organize and think big, the managerial revolution, elimination of its biggest rival, a favourable geographic location and war sales bonanza transformed US forever. Whatever was left was sealed by WW2, when dollar finally replaced pound. The more I read, the more events interconnect and make sense. I guess victor's justice is a truth of life, and I have to also watch out for the personal bias of authors keeping in mind that this is but one side of the story.
All in all, an interesting start. Will keep you posted.
The first thing that I gather from this book is a better understanding about German historical attitude towards business. The presence of two boards in German companies, developing a "community of interests" and legalization of cartels to counter effects of economic difficulties and capitalism, the effect of wars on German economy (and psyche) and why coal and iron were so politicized are few key points to learn. In fact, it relates very well with why coal and steel were the primary focus in the 1957 treaty of Rome. For the first time I am able to appreciate the difference in business attitudes in Germany from UK, US and India. History does help you to appreciate the present and to avoid mistakes in the future.
The second thing I realize is that Germany was in a very formidable position before WW1, with only US hoping to do as good. With WW1, US expropriated 506 German companies and 12000 German patents. This, along with the American capacity to organize and think big, the managerial revolution, elimination of its biggest rival, a favourable geographic location and war sales bonanza transformed US forever. Whatever was left was sealed by WW2, when dollar finally replaced pound. The more I read, the more events interconnect and make sense. I guess victor's justice is a truth of life, and I have to also watch out for the personal bias of authors keeping in mind that this is but one side of the story.
All in all, an interesting start. Will keep you posted.
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