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Periodical article Periodical article Leiden University catalogue Leiden University catalogue WorldCat catalogue WorldCat
Title:Big Business in African Studies
Author:Hopkins, A.G.ISNI
Year:1987
Periodical:The Journal of African History
Volume:28
Issue:1
Pages:119-140
Language:English
Geographic term:Africa
Subjects:economic history
entrepreneurs
trading companies
Economics and Trade
History and Exploration
Bibliography/Research
colonialism
External link:https://www.jstor.org/stable/181452
Abstract:This article surveys research into the business history of Africa completed during the past decade, using as a point of reference the published proceedings of two conferences held in Paris and London in 1981 and 1983. Knowledge of indigenous and expatriate business in the 19th and 20th centuries has expanded considerably during the past ten years, and the studies produced by specialists on Africa have particular strengths: they remain integrated with other branches of history; they have illuminated the relationship between business enterprise and official policy; and they have been concerned to explore the wider social consequences of business activities and to relate historical research to current development issues. The literature reveals some characteristic weaknesses too: the market for knowledge remains imperfect, and specialists often fail to incorporate work which is available; and their analysis is frequently limited by a reluctance to make use of theories of the firm and of accounting techniques. App., notes, ref.
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