Review by Choice Review
In view of the vast literature on the decline of US industry in the world economy, it may appear superfluous to publish yet another work on the subject. But, this collection of essays prepared by a group of Lehigh faculty and edited by Goldman (also of that university) provides unique viewpoints and alternative perspectives. The uniqueness stems in part from the varying disciplines of the authors, which include not only economics, but fields ranging from the social sciences to engineering. Although varied in approach, the multiple views coalesce around US industry competitiveness in the context of social values. Among other issues raised, the meaning of "competitiveness" is explored which, in turn, relates the degree of decline to the particular definition adopted. The book belongs on a library shelf to balance the many excellent traditional economic/business approaches, such as Craig Giffi's Competing in World-Class Manufacturing: America's 21st Century Challenge (CH, May'91), or Office of Technology Assessment of the US Congress, Competing Economics: America, Europe, and the Pacific Rim (CH, Sep'92). Advanced undergraduate through professional. W. C. Struning; Seton Hall University
Copyright American Library Association, used with permission.
Review by Choice Review
