Overview
It is now a widely held belief that corporations are among the most powerful institutions on the planet, yet there is a surprising lack of sophisticated analysis into the level of influence they hold in terms of policy and governance. The Handbook of Global Companies compiles a series of original essays by established experts and emerging scholars addressing the latest theoretical findings and empirical evidence relating to the role of global companies in national, regional and international governance. Debate about the power global companies wield in a world characterized by complex interdependence - from the national to the regional through to the global level - is the central theme of this Handbook.\xa0Questions surrounding the ways global companies share authority to effect new forms of governance with states and international organizations are covered, as are their relations with civil society. Particular industries are considered, such as the role of the finance industry and national regulators, the role of mining companies in developing countries, and the role of consulting firms as agents of change.\xa0Central themes facing the world and the role of global companies in respect of these, such as development, inequality, the environment, and social responsibility are featured in the contributions.\xa0New forms of global companies and the role they play in emerging markets, such as China, are also covered. Additional sections address the broader potential and limitations of global companies as a catalyst in global governance. This wide-ranging coverage ensures The Handbook of Global Companies offers important insights into the complexities and societal impact of twenty-first century corporations in today's globalized world.
