Dear Colleagues,
I would like to announce my most recent book, released today, "Cliques and
Capitalism: A Modern Networked Theory of the Firm". It is out in time to add
to your holiday reading list! Below, are a publisher's description of the
book and three reviews.
Also, you may see a list of all my books at:
http://www.amazon.com/Deborah-E.-De-Lange/e/B004206YYA
Cliques and Capitalism: A Modern Networked Theory of the Firm
De Lange suggests a new contextually linked building block model to develop
theories of the firm in the field of strategy and organizations. Using this
approach, she proposes two models: one that is a realistic American version
and another that is a futuristic sustainable model. Both are new networked
models that integrate current theories; a review of international corporate
governance supports the sustainable firm that solves problems of the current
one. Through a revised theoretical lens, the book answers a provocative
question surrounding modern corporate America: Who wields the power? In this
investigative look at the institutional mechanisms behind who is truly
running the show, Cliques and Capitalism seeks to not only explain why the
current corporate system fails to function well, but also offers solutions
for improved corporate governance through a new sustainable model.
Reviews:
"The financial crisis has brought about a great deal of reflection, about
the efficiency of markets, the effectiveness of governments in smoothing
economic cycles, and the ability and willingness of profit-oriented actors
to police themselves. Cliques and Capitalism contributes to this reflection
by thoughtfully critiquing the American model of corporate governance: Did
it contribute to the crisis? Has it outlived its usefulness? Is the worst
yet to come? de Lange suggests yes, yes, and perhaps yes. Drawing on theory
and a variety of practices from around the world, she also proposes a
'sustainable' model of corporate governance that might avert future
problems. But can we get from here to there?" --Olav Sorenson, professor,
Yale School of Management
"'Too big to fail' became the mantra of the recent financial crises on Wall
Street. But de Lange's analysis in this book shows that the problems go much
deeper. Using support from a variety of academic theories, and grounding her
work in the practical realities of toady's model of the firm, she points out
that American capitalism has systemic problems that won't go away easily.
She is not afraid to gore some sacred cows, most notably that the
democratization of markets is a myth as real power is held by what she calls
a 'stock market bureaucracy.' And she is not afraid to offer solutions to
this problem by outlining a sustainable model of the firm that is
stakeholder and network oriented. This book is a valuable contribution for
those that care about an American capitalism that is sustainable for the
long term." --Andrew J. Hoffman, Holcim (US) Professor of Sustainable
Enterprise, University of Michigan
"This book represents a masterful weaving together of theory and practice,
international management and strategic management, corporate governance,
network analysis and sustainability, as well as case studies. Readers -
researchers, students, and practitioners - interested in understanding the
modern corporation will love this book. The author's international
management experience and academic background bring a unique and timely
perspective on the strengths and weaknesses of large corporations and how to
make them work better for all stakeholders." --Avner Ben-Ner, professor,
Center for Human Resources and Labor Studies, Carlson School of Management,
University of Minnesota and affiliated professor, University of Minnesota
Law School
If you read it, I would love to receive your thoughts and comments by email:
ddelange@mun.ca.
Happy holidays!
Dr. Deborah de Lange
Assistant Professor of International Business
Faculty of Business Administration
Memorial University of Newfoundland
Email:
ddelange@mun.ca