Dominant corporate agents and the power elite in France and Britain

Maclean, M., Harvey, C. and Chia, R. (2010) Dominant corporate agents and the power elite in France and Britain. Organization Studies, 31(3), pp. 327-348. (doi: 10.1177/0170840609357377)

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Publisher's URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/0170840609357377

Abstract

Corporate elites are not a new phenomenon. However, the ways in which significant agents gain ascendancy to positions of power vary across nations and cultures. This paper analyses the ascension of a small minority of corporate agents to positions of dominance and the subsequent accession of a select few to the power elite. Our theoretical position builds upon the writings of Pierre Bourdieu on power and domination. These constructs are elaborated and made tangible through a cross-national comparative study of dominant corporate agents in France and Britain. Our results demonstrate the extent to which power remains concentrated in the French and British corporate sectors; highlighting equally pronounced similarities and differences between the two countries. It is suggested that power elites function through governance networks to promote institutional and organizational goals.

Item Type:Articles
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Chia, Professor Robert
Authors: Maclean, M., Harvey, C., and Chia, R.
College/School:College of Social Sciences > Adam Smith Business School > Management
Journal Name:Organization Studies
ISSN:0170-8406
ISSN (Online):1741-3044

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