ABSTRACT
This conclusion presents some closing thoughts on the key concepts discussed in the preceding chapters of this book. The book provides a wide range of countries and policies as well as an extensive time period. It analyzes business’ stated preferences and actions across various strategic contexts. The book offers many reasons why business perceptions of the costs and restraints of social policies may have varied among different countries. It shows how business groups in the two countries have tried to oppose the reversal of pension privatization, and with mixed success, showing that the influence of business over the political process is not without its limitations. The chapter also shows how American and Dutch employers have sought to limit their exposure to financial risk, and are consequently withdrawing their support from defined benefit plans, which the unions strongly oppose.
