On John Kay’s Bookshelf – Archive page
Books that John has reviewed in the past...
A poor view of poverty
Many people wish there was a nicer model of economic development than captalism. In reality, the best thing they can do is encourage Western firms to raise their standards.
A guide to get-rich-quick scams
The internet bubble bears some resemblance to a Ponzi scheme: a brief history of such schemes is informative.
The social route to economic success
If man were not a social animal he would not be as economically successful as he has been. A biological perspective can prove highly illuminating.
Blurring of responsibility
You can be responsible to people to whom you are not accountable; and you can deal with interlocking and conflicting responsibilities. Why do so many thoughtful people fail to realise this?
Ticket touts
As All England Club strives once more to foil ticket touts, the professional economist views the idea of the “just price” with patronising and detached amusement. But is he right?
Hairy issue helps solve rules dilemma
Regulation by rules is all very well; regulation by values is indispensable.
The fate of Project Tiny Tim
This case was prepared by Professor John Kay, under the direction of emeritus Professor Charles Dickens. It is intended as the basis for class discussion rather than to illustrate either effective or ineffective handling of an administrative situation.
The oblique approach
With maturity – personal or corporate – comes the principle of obliquity. Many people have noted the paradox that the most profitable companies are not necessarily the most profit oriented.
The chainsaw falls on instrumentalism
Chainsaw Al is obsessed with making money. Bill Gates is obsessed with computers. Who is the richer man?