ABSTRACT
This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book deals with peak associations in global business. There is a rather small group of peak associations that organizes large sections of business, including many industries, groups of firms and national businesses, and, accordingly, the associations formulate rather broad interests. The book explores important vertical structures in the associational system. Many industries are organized through global associations: we find business associations in the extractive industries, in the manufacturing industries, and in the wholesale, retail and service industries. The book scrutinizes alliances of corporations and associations. In a number of cases, existing peak associations and industry associations prove insufficient, and permanent alliances become relevant. The book explains that facilitators play an essential role in global business. It explores that collective action in global business is advanced and that a rich variety of associations are active in different areas and institutional contexts.
