1 comments about The Diversity Advantage: Multicultural Identity in the New World Economy.

1. "Diversity Advantage" is an updated version of Zachary's 2000 "the Global Me." Zachary makes the case for why diversity can be a resource for companies, institutions, and states. Briefly, hybrids-- such people of mixed ethnic or social backgrounds, and immigrants-- today are growing in numbers, public prominence, and economic importance: they jump-start regional and national economies, give industries a critical edge, strengthen states, and diversify the intellectual capital of corporations. Indeed, hybridity is the modern philosopher's stone, the key to economic vitality among global corporations and advanced nations.

No comments about Private and Public Enterprise in Europe: Energy, Telecommunications and Transport, 1830-1990 (Cambridge Studies in Economic History - Second Series).

No comments about Income, Wealth, and the Maximum Principle.

No comments about Economic Justice in an Unfair World: Toward a Level Playing Field.

No comments about Evolution of the Economic System in Japan.

1 comments about The Embedded Corporation: Corporate Governance and Employment Relations in Japan and the United States.

1. Unlike most of the rah-rah books published in the HR area, this book is based on real research in Japanese and American companies. I don't agree with all of it, but it is interesting, insightful, and original. I would urge all HR professionals, corporate or consultant, to have a look at this book and see what we can (still) learn from the Japanese.

2 comments about The Future of Europe: Reform or Decline.

1. This book deals with several major policy problems that Europe and Europeans are facing today. The usual suspects include non-competitive research and universities, mishandling of the increasingly multiethnic societies, liberalization of markets, high price of the social state, rigid labor market, to name just a few. There seems to be an increasing amount of literature and critical articles dedicated to these issues, in a stark contrast to the inability of European politicians to get a firm grip on them. Even though this book claims that Europe should not necessarily adopt Anglo-Saxon social and economic model, it is hard to escape this conclusion when reading the actual comparisons with the UK, US and other "Anglo-Saxon" countries.
   
   One big policy issue that is not being discussed here deals with the collapse of the European family and its roots in the dismantling of the Judeo-Christian religio-ethical tradition. A good place to start reading more about this is George Weigel's "The Cube And The Cathedral: Europe, America and Politics Without God"
   
   Additional criticism of this book concerns its editing. There are numerous spelling and other mistakes, and several graphs and charts are not all that clear. Otherwise, it is a very readable and engaging book.



2. I read carefully Alesina's book. It is well written and it really gives Europe and Europeans something to think about. Basically, the authors defend that Europe should start doing things "The American Way", that is, work more, attract young researchers/scientists to universities and spend more in military programs.
   
   Several of these ideas are valid and I believe the authors are completely right in their insights, namely, the absolute need to attract young scientists and researchers to european universities.
   
   This being said, there are other issues, where it is unclear Europe could follow the approach the authors sugggested:
   
   a) Banks - the authors defend European banking system should learn some lessons from the American Banks. The book was written in 2006, there is, before subprime crisis. To be honest, I don't think Europe should copy the US Banks model of management. And subprime crisis is right here to prove what I am saying;
   
   b) Military spending: this is the most controversial aspect of Alesina's book. Military spendig is connected to one of the last barriers of sovereignity - military secrets, national defense system, industrial secrets. It is impossible to forget what could be the reaction inside Europe, if national governments started a big military program. Suppose, Germany would say: "we are going to start a giantic military program". I don't think UK or France would be at ease.
   
   A possible solution: European programmes. But once again, this is easier to say than done. Europe is at peace only for 60 years. It is not exactly peaceful to agree on military spending/programmes.
   
   All in all, it is an interesting book. But some of the ideas, I am afraid can work really well in a Union such as the USA, but probably not in European Union.

No comments about Under New Ownership: Privatizing China's State-owned Enterprises.

No comments about The Next 4 Billion: Market Size and Business Strategy at the Base of the Pyramid.

5 comments about The Race to the Top: The Real Story of Globalization.

1. This book definitely has its heart and head in the right
   place, as it recounts the benefits of globalization. But it
   seems to ramble a little, without ever directly making the
   case that free trade, even unilateral free trade, always
   helps a country, with the country's general public
   benefitting more overall than special interests may be hurt.
   Don't get me wrong, I think it's a very good book, but it
   could be even better.



2. This book certainly attempts to show the merits of free-trade against the alternatives of protectionism, mercantilism or colonialism. However, Larsson's book left many things unsaid. His analysis is too anecdotal, and if I were a anti free-trader (which I am not), then I could by the same token come out and give a multitude of horror stories that are seem to be the result of free trade.

   Those of you who wish to buy a comprehensive defense of free trade, this book is not for you. This book is rather a good source of stories and vignettes that would be helpful in a bar argument with the big hairy white guy next to you. Instead, I suggest that you pick up Against the Dead Hand by Brink Lindsey; it is much more comprehensive and gives a concise and accurate history of the struggle to "race to the top."




3. The book is a good read, however, there is too much focus and evidence on Asian countries. This may be due to the author's obvious familiarity with the region. However, this renders the evidence for his case rather skewed and less colourful. Also, the book gets off the track occasionally and loses its touch with the argument for globalization. Frankly, I am not sure whether I liked the book overall or not as I have a feeling that the arguments could have been put forward in less space. I wish it was written in a more succinct way.



4. Check out the cato institutes site, much more interesting and cheaper.
   Then rememember who funds cato. Maybe if they'd just come out of the closet that their ideology and analysis is slanted by contributors it wouldn't be side. Check their contribution page, too. No cheapo's are allowed.
   The old truism rears it's ugly head: "He who calls the piper calls the tune." especially when it comes to politcal economy.

   The world was more global prior to WWI than it is now. All industries have flourished and been rescued as a result of keynesian policies and government intervention. All the buzzwords flying around mean that labor and wages will be further destabilized and thrust downward, all in the name of returns on bonds and stock knockers, the part of the economy that receives the most welfare and protectionism. A stable, productive, and well-paid working class make for a strong economy. This one proposes slight variants on the current pyramid scheming. Should be called something along the lines of "health and happiness through starvation."

   From 73 to 97 productivity went up some 37% while wages fell 14%. Fool's progress. This is the trend that people who thrive on this would like to see continue. If this is you then you'll like this book.




5. I had to read this book for a Business course. Larsson meanders through the chapters, dropping and picking up points like a stream-of-concience dictation. While his Pro-globalization points are good, he disregards the arguments against globalization as if they are irrelevant. The point of the book could be made in about half the pages, especially if Larsson would leave politial bashing out.
   If you want to explore the issues of globalization to make your own decision on whether you agree with it or not, choose something else, or supplement this book heavily. It's a little boring, but may be useful once you have the background on globalization.
   If you have a background in business, don't waste your time with this book. The arguments are based almost soley on Macro and Microeconomics 101 priciples.
   If you are looking for fuel to support your Free-Trade fire, this book will provide you with many supportive case studies. You have my blessing to read this book.