About the book
In 1914 the two largest firms in Russia were subsidiaries of American companies. Remarkably, they were almost as large as their parent companies, striking testimony to the potential of the underdeveloped Russian market. Fred Carstensen provides detailed histories of the movement of International Harvester and Singer into this new, profitable, and somewhat forbidding territory.
Describing how both sales organizations evolved in Russia, Carstensen relates their development to overall company histories, worldwide growth, changing sales strategies and structures, recruitment and training of employees, and corporate leadership in America and abroad. He finds that both firms entered the Russian market because they needed new outlets to sustain high levels of production and sales. Although there are parallels in their experiences, Carstensen identifies how the responses of the two corporations differed, reflecting the varying strategies and perceptions of company management.
Together the case studies provide a test for many of the supposed qualities and patterns of Russian economic history. Contrary to accounts of the experiences of other companies, these firms found the Russian market remarkably rich, developing a level of sales that might have surpassed the American market if war had not erupted. In contrast to the standard view of foreign enterprise, neither company came to Russia because of government invitation or influence but rather because of the intrinsic attractiveness of the markets, and neither firm found the government bureaucracy graft-ridden or the customers dishonest.
Carstensen shows that International Harvester and Singer Sewing Machine clearly influenced Russia in a positive way. Both trained large numbers of Russians in modern industrial and marketing procedures and both provided an extraordinary volume of credit on comparatively easy terms to encourage purchase of their products. Indeed, the success of their approach suggests that Russian economic development may have been limited not by weak aggregate demand but by the relative absence of sources of credit.
Originally published in 1984.
A UNC Press Enduring Edition — UNC Press Enduring Editions use the latest in digital technology to make available again books from our distinguished backlist that were previously out of print. These editions are published unaltered from the original, and are presented in affordable paperback formats, bringing readers both historical and cultural value.
Editions of American Enterprise in Foreign Markets
- Hardcover
- ISBN 9780807815854
- Paperback
- ISBN 9780807857281
- EBook
- ISBN 9781469643922
- PDF
- ISBN 9798890865458
Read an Excerpt
In 1914 the two largest firms in Russia were subsidiaries of American companies. Remarkably, they were almost as large as their parent companies, striking testimony to the potential of the underdeveloped Russian market. Fred Carstensen provides detailed histories of the movement of International Harvester and Singer into this new, profitable, and somewhat forbidding territory.
Describing how both sales organizations evolved in Russia, Carstensen relates their development to overall company histories, worldwide growth, changing sales strategies and structures, recruitment and training of employees, and corporate leadership in America and abroad. He finds that both firms entered the Russian market because they needed new outlets to sustain high levels of production and sales. Although there are parallels in their experiences, Carstensen identifies how the responses of the two corporations differed, reflecting the varying strategies and perceptions of company management.
Together the case studies provide a test for many of the supposed qualities and patterns of Russian economic history. Contrary to accounts of the experiences of other companies, these firms found the Russian market remarkably rich, developing a level of sales that might have surpassed the American market if war had not erupted. In contrast to the standard view of foreign enterprise, neither company came to Russia because of government invitation or influence but rather because of the intrinsic attractiveness of the markets, and neither firm found the government bureaucracy graft-ridden or the customers dishonest.
Carstensen shows that International Harvester and Singer Sewing Machine clearly influenced Russia in a positive way. Both trained large numbers of Russians in modern industrial and marketing procedures and both provided an extraordinary volume of credit on comparatively easy terms to encourage purchase of their products. Indeed, the success of their approach suggests that Russian economic development may have been limited not by weak aggregate demand but by the relative absence of sources of credit.
Originally published in 1984.
A UNC Press Enduring Edition — UNC Press Enduring Editions use the latest in digital technology to make available again books from our distinguished backlist that were previously out of print. These editions are published unaltered from the original, and are presented in affordable paperback formats, bringing readers both historical and cultural value.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is American Enterprise in Foreign Markets about?
In 1914 the two largest firms in Russia were subsidiaries of American companies. Remarkably, they were almost as large as their parent companies, striking testimony to the potential of the underdeveloped Russian market. Fred Carstensen provides detailed histories of the movement of International Harvester and Singer into this new, profitable, and somewhat forbidding territory.
Describing how both sales organizations evolved in Russia, Carstensen relates their development to overall company histories, worldwide growth, changing sales strategies and structures, recruitment and training of employees, and corporate leadership in America and abroad. He finds that both firms entered the Russian market because they needed new outlets to sustain high levels of production and sales. Although there are parallels in their experiences, Carstensen identifies how the responses of the two corporations differed, reflecting the varying strategies and perceptions of company management.
Together the case studies provide a test for many of the supposed qualities and patterns of Russian economic history. Contrary to accounts of the experiences of other companies, these firms found the Russian market remarkably rich, developing a level of sales that might have surpassed the American market if war had not erupted. In contrast to the standard view of foreign enterprise, neither company came to Russia because of government invitation or influence but rather because of the intrinsic attractiveness of the markets, and neither firm found the government bureaucracy graft-ridden or the customers dishonest.
Carstensen shows that International Harvester and Singer Sewing Machine clearly influenced Russia in a positive way. Both trained large numbers of Russians in modern industrial and marketing procedures and both provided an extraordinary volume of credit on comparatively easy terms to encourage purchase of their products. Indeed, the success of their approach suggests that Russian economic development may have been limited not by weak aggregate demand but by the relative absence of sources of credit.
Originally published in 1984.
A UNC Press Enduring Edition — UNC Press Enduring Editions use the latest in digital technology to make available again books from our distinguished backlist that were previously out of print. These editions are published unaltered from the original, and are presented in affordable paperback formats, bringing readers both historical and cultural value.
What core themes, tropes, or subjects are explored in American Enterprise in Foreign Markets?
Economics, Finance, Business and Management > Business and Management
Where can I read a sample of American Enterprise in Foreign Markets?
You can read an official preview of the few pages here https://www.book2look.com/book/9780807815854
How long is American Enterprise in Foreign Markets and how many pages does it have?
American Enterprise in Foreign Markets has 300 page(s)
Who is/are the Author/s of the book American Enterprise in Foreign Markets?
Fred V. Carstensen
What are the ISBN numbers for the physical and digital editions?
American Enterprise in Foreign Markets is available as hardcover(ISBN 9780807815854) and paperback(ISBN 9780807857281) and ebook(ISBN 9781469643922) and pdf(ISBN 9798890865458)
Where can I buy American Enterprise in Foreign Markets online or support local independent bookshops?
You can buy American Enterprise in Foreign Markets from below
Where can I buy American Enterprise in Foreign Markets?