TAKEN FOR A RIDE: Документальный фильм, гораздо более современный, чем книга Флинка (и числящий книгу в библиографии). Вопрос: был ли Флинк "официально одобренным" историографом автопромышленности?
Alfred Sloan became president of General Motors in 1925. Through the early 1920's, Ford Motor Company had been the leading automobile manufacturer. This was because of Ford's development of mass production techniques and the ability to manufacturer an affordable car. By the 1930's GM would not only become the largest car manufacturer, but the largest corporation in the country and the world. How did this come about? [...] Sloan's plan to first buy up streetcar companies through GM's own subsidiaries and later, through National City Lines (a company founded through General Motor's efforts,) raises interesting questions about the relationship between company goals and the public good. Many economists argue that the only responsibility of a corporation is to maximize profits for its shareholders. By buying up its competition (streetcars), GM guaranteed an ever increasing market for its cars and buses. Some would argue this is simply good business. Ultimately, the strong will drive out the weak and the best will survive, making the whole society stronger. Looking at GM's plan, and the result of their success, discuss whether this argument is valid. Do corporations have a responsibility beyond their shareholders? Is there a problem allowing companies to take actions that may damage a society? What dangers might government regulation bring? What role does the size of businesses have in determining whether allowing a completely free market makes sense or damages the society?
Это не легенда
Вопрос: был ли Флинк "официально одобренным" историографом автопромышленности?
Alfred Sloan became president of General Motors in 1925. Through the early 1920's, Ford Motor Company had been the leading automobile manufacturer. This was because of Ford's development of mass production techniques and the ability to manufacturer an affordable car. By the 1930's GM would not only become the largest car manufacturer, but the largest corporation in the country and the world. How did this come about?
[...]
Sloan's plan to first buy up streetcar companies through GM's own subsidiaries and later, through National City Lines (a company founded through General Motor's efforts,) raises interesting questions about the relationship between company goals and the public good. Many economists argue that the only responsibility of a corporation is to maximize profits for its shareholders. By buying up its competition (streetcars), GM guaranteed an ever increasing market for its cars and buses. Some would argue this is simply good business. Ultimately, the strong will drive out the weak and the best will survive, making the whole society stronger. Looking at GM's plan, and the result of their success, discuss whether this argument is valid. Do corporations have a responsibility beyond their shareholders? Is there a problem allowing companies to take actions that may damage a society? What dangers might government regulation bring? What role does the size of businesses have in determining whether allowing a completely free market makes sense or damages the society?