European business systems

As Europe moves towards greater integration there is increasing recognition of national differences in European business - because of significant diversity in national cultures and social institutions affecting business systems. This book explores key characteristics of firms and markets in eight European countries - Denmark, Finland, the Netherlands, Germany compared with Britain, Sweden, Italy and France. Central to the analysis is an examination of the impact of broader national, cultural, political and economic contexts. The authors show how such factors as the role of the state and financial sectors, systems of education and training, and employment expectations and labour relations are crucial to differences in management structures, styles and decision-making processes, to firms' growth and diversification strategies and to intercompany market relationships and market development. Thus, for example major differences between business practices and evolution in Germany and the UK can be seen to stem from different approaches to the involvement of the state and financial institutions in business. In the Netherlands the collegial nature of business decision-making processes can