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Under Political Uncertainties:Organisational Changes in the Imperial Continental Gas Association, 1824?1987

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  • Ryo Izawa

    (Faculty of Economics, Shiga University)

Abstract

This study followed the brief history of a British multinational utility enterprise, Imperial Continental Gas Association (ICGA). The company passed through successive waves of technological and political shocks throughout its life. In particular, political issues such as municipalisation, wars, international taxation and nationalisation had a critical impact on its corporate behaviours. Some political events, such as compulsory liquidation by the German occupation government during the First World War, forced the company to divest its works. The fear of deprivatisation and international double taxation prompted the company to decentralise its corporate structure, whereby ICGA gradually shifted from a company with over-centralism to a pure holding company during the first half of the 20th century. Eventually, the political capabilities nurtured by these experiences contributed to the survival of ICGA for 164 years.

Suggested Citation

  • Ryo Izawa, 2017. "Under Political Uncertainties:Organisational Changes in the Imperial Continental Gas Association, 1824?1987," Discussion Papers CRR Discussion Paper Series A: General 24 Classification-, Shiga University, Faculty of Economics,Center for Risk Research.
    • Handle: RePEc:shg:dpapea:24
    as

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    File URL: https://www.econ.shiga-u.ac.jp/risk/DPA24Izawa20170502.pdf
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Keywords

    Risk; Political risk; Political capabilities; Business history; International business; International taxation; Public utility company;
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