National Cultures and International Competition: The Experience of Schering AG, 1851–1950 (Cambridge Studies in the Emergence of Global Enterprise)
Cambridge University Press, 10/7/2002
EAN 9780521814812, ISBN10: 0521814812
Hardcover, 432 pages, 22.9 x 15.2 x 2.9 cm
Language: English
This book is first and foremost a history of Schering AG, one of Germany's best known pharmaceutical companies, from its birth as a pharmacy in the middle of the nineteenth century to the first steps of its rebirth as a multinational in 1950. The book traces the various stages of Schering's development, its relationships to other chemical companies, its government, its bankers and other shareholders. As the title implies, the book also tries to put this history in the context of Schering's changing - and for the most part increasingly hostile - political, social and economic environment, which formed the context for the company's efforts to organise its personnel, develop its research and production capacity and to internationalise its business. The author argues that the evolution of Germany's system of corporate governance did not keep up with that country's ability to make technical innovations and actually hindered Germany's ability to respond to the business challenges following World War I.
Preface
1. Opportunities and obstacles
Schering AG as historical subject
2. Triumph and tragedy
Schering and the 'great illusion' 1851–1913
3. Schering and the 'organised insanity'
4. Beer, banks and coal
Schering is 'rationalised' 1922–3
5. Babylon on the spree
stabilisation and reorganisation
6. The reestablishment of Schering's international businesses
7. Missed opportunities
Schering and the depressions
8. 'Leap into the unknown'
Schering 1933–6
9. The crest of the wave
1937–9
10. World War II and Schering 1940–5
11. Epilogue
Schering's second ascent from the ashes
Appendix
Index.