Publications
Publications
- Business History Review
Alfred D. Chandler: His Vision and Achievement
Abstract
Among historians, Alfred Chandler's influence is by far the greatest, as he has affected economics, sociology, and business administration. Chandler never took short cuts, never stinted, and never published until he was satisfied that he had done his very best. Nearly all of his books, and many of his chapters and articles, make heavy demands on the reader. His consequent intimacy with the physical world powerfully shaped his vision. The emphases in his work on geography, motion, speed, and volume are characteristics seldom remarked but conspicuous once recognized. World War II consumed six years of Chandler's sacred third decade and profoundly affected his vision of large organizations. For five of the six years, he was a direct participant in the war. Much of the existing criticism of Chandler has to do with the narrowness of his vision. Many scholars are put off not only by his emphasis on big business but also by big business itself.
Keywords
Goals and Objectives; Mission and Purpose; Success; Books; Demand and Consumers; Power and Influence; Economic Growth; Ethics; Knowledge Sharing; Product Positioning; Market Transactions; Fair Value Accounting
Citation
McCraw, T. K. "Alfred D. Chandler: His Vision and Achievement." Business History Review 82, no. 4 (Winter 2008).