ABSTRACT
In the UK, the spread of enterprise in public ownership is very wide and their experiences have varied greatly; abroad national cultures, political systems, stages of development and personal capabilities will also vary widely. At one level, of course, politics creates the possibility of business and promotes and supports it. Governments are the largest creators of business in many developed countries. But at another level, once public enterprises are established, it is a common experience that Ministers intervene in a variety of ways to achieve personal or political ends. There is much confusion in the UK about the role of corporate planning in public enterprises. The corporate plan is often seen as part of the political strategy of the enterprise, making claims for financial support from the government, justifying its actions, attempting to win favour with Ministers, providing reassurance about the capability of the enterprise management, etc.
