ABSTRACT
This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book outlines the major types of business groups and networks in developed and emerging countries. It discusses economic, strategic, managerial and organizational perspectives through various examples and case studies in order to show how shifts in markets and global competition are reconfiguring transactions within these organizations and are impacting corporate governance systems. The book explores the critical issue of corporate governance in terms of corporate networks based on interlocked directorates and social relationships and discusses the impact of board composition on company strategy. It gives the salient features of large firms and networks in several countries allowing making comparisons. The book pursues analysis of emerging economy with Mexico. Grupos are large family conglomerates which conduct several activities within various industries. It addresses several specific questions regarding inter-organizational networks and more specifically clusters.
