Germany's Balanced Development

What makes the German economy so resilient? This provocative book challenges the conventional wisdom as to what constitutes national wealth, arguing that it is long-term, balanced development rather than rapid growth and productivity that makes an economy successful. Interdisciplinary in approach, this is the first book in many years to take an organic view of the German economy, looking not only at the mix of business and economic policies but also at the sociocultural and psychological background to German economic development. Gazdar shows how Germany balances the priorities of wealth, welfare, and well-being, and describes Germany's uniquely resilient form of ecological sociocapitalism. He argues that the German way of running an economy gives the country a strong, long-term edge over the United States and Japan in the global competition for economic security.

Executives interested in strategic planning and international marketing, economists, cultural and business historians, and policymakers will find this insightful book invaluable toward understanding the unique model that Germany exemplifies. Gazdar claims that Germany's mastery of balance—between the private and public sectors, between the interests of employers and employees, and between economical and ecological priorities—will lead it to economic triumph. He also argues that unless the United States comes to a new consensus, one that encompasses social issues, vocational education, and the improvement of infrastructure, it will steadily lose ground to Germany.

Describes the link between Germany's business success and the sociocultural and psychological factors that will lead to sustained development, and compares the German way of business with that of the United States and Japan.

Booknews

An analysis of Germany's economy based on an unusual model. The author challenges the conventional wisdom as to what constitutes national wealth, arguing that it is long-term, balanced development rather than rapid growth and productivity that makes an economy successful. He goes on to describe how Germany balances the priorities of wealth, welfare, and well-being into a unique form of ecological sociocapitalism. Intended for economists, policymakers, and executives interested in strategic planning. Annotation c. by Book News, Inc., Portland, Or.

KAEVAN GAZDAR has worked as a journalist and lecturer, and also as Project Manager at one of Germany's leading management consultancies.