The Limited Company: Replacing the Victorian Steam Engine

Author: Godfrey Rehaag       Publisher: Ashgate (1994)

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Description:

A Challenge to the Corporate Framework for the 21st Century

The limited company is the very cornerstone of Western capitalism. Its influence and its dynamics affect us all. Yet despite incremental changes to the present corporate model since its introduction 150 years ago, the model remains unashamedly Victorian. An increasing catalogue of criticisms points to the existence of structural faults in that model for today's social and economic environment, yet so many proposals for reform are still only incremental extras, or else lack impartiality and pragmatism. This fresh analysis of the whole function and purpose of the corporation, for today's business needs, breaks entirely new ground by proposing an organic model as opposed to regulatory impositions on the present model, and by bringing the free market mechanism to the heart of corporate activity. Imaginative and provocative, this book by an independent business adviser seeks an elegant, integrated solution for which the dynamics are fully explored to their conclusion.
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Reviews:

"Godfrey Rehaag's book is exceptional because of the clarity of thought, the simplicity of expression and the directness of his challenge to the reader to think afresh about the origins of the company and the steps we may need to take to redesign it. He is that rare character - a practical thinker with a broad perspective. Anyone with the remotest interest in corporate governance, company law, and the purpose of the company should read this book."

Mark Goyder, director of the RSA Inquiry Programme of the Royal Society of Arts

"Godfrey Rehaag gives a clear incisive critique of today's (public) limited company and a novel set of proposals for change which moves us towards a company of 'all the stakeholders'."

Professor David J Hatherly, Department of Accounting and Business Method, University of Edinburgh

"This is a stimulating attempt to deal with issues which are all too often overlooked in the constant search for explanations as to why our economy is not functioning well.

Godfrey Rehaag offers a convincing analysis of why the traditional capitalist approach is failing and provides an equally convincing answer to the question which must surely have occurred to most thoughtful people - if the profit motive is such an important incentive to the suppliers of capital, why should it not be equally effective in motivating all those others who contribute to wealth creation? This is certainly a book which points the way to the 21st century."

Bryan Gould, former contender for the leadership of the British Labour Party

"I recommend this book - principally but not entirely because of its concern for justice - to all who care about the future of the West."

David Gamon, Mensa International Journal
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Where to Buy:

The first edition is now out of print, but new first edition copies (signed by the author) are still available direct from the author.

Order your hardback copy for £24.95 plus postage and packing here.

Secondhand used copies are available at Amazon.co.uk and Amazon.com, but at rather higher prices.