The corporation has become an increasingly dominant force in contemporary society. However, comprehensive, in-depth analysis of the concept of the corporation is often restricted, or limited to one disciplinary approach. This handbook brings together the cutting-edge scholarship, expertise and insight of leading scholars in a wide range of disciplines, notably management studies, law, history, political science, anthropology, sociology and criminology, using a critical approach to dissect and understand the corporation. Ten chapters provide overviews of the state of play of critical scholarship on the corporation in each of these disciplines. Further contributors tackle current hot topics, such as corporate social responsibility, corporate crime, global value chains, financialization, and the interaction between corporations and communities. Finally, they consider resistance and alternatives to the corporation. With its interdisciplinary approach, this book is an invaluable resource for all readers studying the past, present and future of the corporation.

'Baars and Spicer have compiled the best collection of critical interrogations into corporations. Drawing on interdisciplinary insights from leading experts and a wide-ranging coverage of highly topical themes, Baars and Spicer have brought together an outstanding collection of essays that lucidly dissect the complexity and omnipotence of corporations in contemporary capitalism. This volume will quickly become a standard reference for understanding corporations.’

Susanne Soederberg - Queen’s University, Ontario, and author of Corporate Power and Ownership in Contemporary Capitalism

‘This is a remarkable collection of original essays. The thorough introduction by the two authors is stunning in itself, challenging the conventional interpretations of corporations in our history and resetting the basis for evaluation. The chapters draw from a large variety of disciplines that must be incorporated in a critical appraisal. The collection provides a new starting place for inquiry - multidisciplinary, and refreshingly critical.’

Charles Perrow - Emeritus Professor of Sociology, Yale University, Connecticut

‘The publication of this collection of critical studies of the corporation could not be more timely and relevant. The role of the corporation is being questioned as never before in a changing climate of political populism. Assembling contributions by leading thinkers from across the spectrum of the social sciences, the editors have created the 'go to' place for scholars and policy makers wishing to debate the past, present and future of the corporate form in contemporary societies.’

Michael Power - London School of Economics and Political Science

‘This is a fantastic volume. Unprecedented in the interdisciplinary way it contextualises the corporation socially, historically and politically. An unavoidable reference point for every student and scholar that is interested in the conspicuous role of this institution.’

Dirk Matten - Hewlett-Packard Chair in Corporate Social Responsibility; Director, Centre of Excellence in Responsible Business (COERB); and Associate Dean of Research, Schulich School of Business, York University, Toronto; and Co-Editor of Business and Society