Business history

John F. Wilson

Chapter 18 in Elgar Encyclopedia of Historical Organisation Studies, 2026, pp 68-70 from Edward Elgar Publishing

Abstract: This entry traces two main stages in the evolution of business history as a field of study, marking the 1990s as a decisive watershed decade. Prior to the 1990s, most attention was paid to the organisation and management of large-scale firms; thereafter, horizons shifted considerably, alongside moves to interact more closely with social science theory. A definition of the discipline is offered, which while reflecting these decisive changes, also highlights continuity in terms of the sustained focus on historical research methods. At the same time, it is also apparent that while business history research has been flourishing, with regard to the other two pillars of a discipline, teaching and practical impact, the discipline has failed to make any progress from the achievements of Alfred Chandler.

Keywords: Business history; Chandler; Social science theory; Five Cs (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2026
ISBN: 9781035332922
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