Call for papers

American Influences in Twentieth Century Europe:
Companies, Consumption and Culture

Roubaix, France, 20-22 September 2001

This is a pre-conference for the 2002 Economic History Congress in Buenos
Aires.  It is organised jointly by Matthias Kipping (Centre for
International Business History, The University of Reading) and Nick Tiratsoo
(University of Luton and LSE Business History Unit). 

Building on the existing work on corporate-level Americanisation in the
post-WWII period, this conference aims at enlarging its scope to the
twentieth century as a whole and issues beyond technology and management.

In particular, we welcome contributions focusing on one of the following
themes:

1. Changes in management practice:  We look for in-depth case studies about
the impact of the American example on management practice and corporate
culture in European companies or industries.  The US models at the company
level include for instance scientific management, the M-form, budgetary
control, marketing or human relations policies.  

Papers could look in detail at the transfer process, the extent to which the
American models were adapted to the national, local or corporate context,
the reaction of different stakeholders, etc.

2. Consumption aspects:  We are interested in the influence of American 
distribution and consumption patterns on Europe during the twentieth
century. 

Papers could for examine the transfer of different sales methods (mail
order, the supermarket, etc.) and their adaptation to the European context
or different aspects of consumer society and their business implications,
for example the development of advertising agencies or tourism.

3. Cultural influences:  We would like to find out about the different 
"carriers" through which American cultural models were transferred to
Europe, for example music and films, but also styles in the widest sense,
including architecture or "life styles".  Among other things, papers in this
sub-theme could look at the businesses behind these different cultural
influences and/or government efforts to control and shape them.

Those interested in presenting a paper should send an abstract of about
1,000 words and a short biographical note by 30 November 2000 to Mrs
Margaret Gallagher at the Centre for International Business History by
e-mail ([log in to unmask]) or fax (0118 / 975-0236). 

We will let you know about the outcome of the selection process towards the
beginning of January 2001.  Full papers have to be sent to all participants
by then end of July 2001.  The local organisers will cover accommodation and
food for those selected to present a paper.  Some subsidy for travel costs
might also be available, in cases where the home institution does not cover
them.

Please note that this conference will be held in parallel with another
pre-conference focusing on the macro aspects of Americanisation regarding
"Trade and Capital Flows, State Policies and Catching Up".  For more
detailed information about the second conference, please contact Professor
Dominique Barjot by e-mail ([log in to unmask]) or fax (+33 1 40 46
25 88).




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