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The network of global corporate control: implications for public policy

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  • Compston Hugh

    (Cardiff School of European Languages, Translation and Politics, Cardiff University, 65-68 Park Place, Cardiff CF23 5AB, UK)

Abstract

To what extent do transnational companies (TNCs) have the capacity to influence public policy? This article uses the results of a major new study of TNC ownership to shed light on this issue. It is found that TNC ownership and control is extremely concentrated and that there is an inner core of firms with strong co-ownership links that is overrepresented in the membership of major business organizations. It is concluded that these factors enhance the potential for TNCs in general, and core TNCs in particular, to influence public policy.

Suggested Citation

  • Compston Hugh, 2013. "The network of global corporate control: implications for public policy," Business and Politics, De Gruyter, vol. 15(3), pages 357-379, October.
  • Handle: RePEc:bpj:buspol:v:15:y:2013:i:3:p:357-379:n:5
    DOI: 10.1515/bap-2012-0049
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Photis Lysandrou & Denitsa Stoyanova, 2007. "The Anachronism of the Voice‐Exit Paradigm: institutional investors and corporate governance in the UK," Corporate Governance: An International Review, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 15(6), pages 1070-1078, November.
    2. Aggarwal, Reena & Erel, Isil & Ferreira, Miguel & Matos, Pedro, 2011. "Does governance travel around the world? Evidence from institutional investors," Journal of Financial Economics, Elsevier, vol. 100(1), pages 154-181, April.
    3. Dahl, Robert A., 1959. "Business and Politics: A Critical Appraisal of Political Science," American Political Science Review, Cambridge University Press, vol. 53(1), pages 1-34, March.
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    Cited by:

    1. Young Kevin, 2015. "Not by structure alone: power, prominence, and agency in American finance," Business and Politics, De Gruyter, vol. 17(3), pages 443-472, October.

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