Lean and Mean

Is big business on its way out? Are small firms better at generating new jobs and spurring technological innovation? In this book, the author argues that, contrary to pervailing wisdom, the big firm is not only alive and well but is becoming more flexible and efficient. He makes the case that although smaller companies have an important role to play, long term economic growth lies ultimately where is always has: with the country's largest most resourceful global companies. Harrison argues that rather than romantisizing the small-firm led economic growth and development, there are more significant issues to be dealt with by government, business, and labour policymakers at the turn of the millenium. These include: how to promote the relationship of local businesses to the global networked economy; how to encourage innovative management behaviour without simultaneously adding to under employment, insecurity, and working poverty; and how to regulate businesses whose organizational boundaries are becoming increasingly fuzzy.