Country Report 1

International Management- Country Report 1

Matt Deese, Trey Holmes, Matt Harris

International Management 4800A

Dr. Griffin

Valdosta State University

22 February, 2016

        The country of England has a very well documented and informational history.  The following report will analyze the economical, social, and political elements of the history of England.  While these elements will be a representation of the nation as a whole, it has a strong correlation to the management strategies and techniques used by managers as well.  The country of England has made most of its greatest progress over the 19th and 20th century.

        England has always been an international power when it comes to the economy. The English became a super power in the global economy after the start of the industrial revolution. The power that resulted from the industrial revolution is best described by economywatch.com. The website states, “At its peak during the nineteenth century, the British Empire covered one quarter of the world’s surface.” The sheer size of the British Empire was extremely influential in having a diverse, balanced and thriving economy.  The size of the British Empire allowed for an abundance of diversity amongst the products and services that the nation could provide.  For instance, during the transition to new manufacturing processes, the British empire was able to produce an abundance of raw goods into finished materials faster.  This benefitted England because at the time, they had an abundance of natural resources, more than any other country, and needed a quicker way of production.  

        The industrial revolution happened in the early 19th century and was a time of extreme change that focused mainly on the modernizing of work and labor.  Prior to the 19th century, most tasks had to be done by hand. The industrial revolution is best classified by wikipedia, who defines it as a, “transition included going from hand production methods to machines, new chemical manufacturing and iron production processes, improved efficiency of water power, the increasing use of steam power, and the development of machine tools.”  

        While the industrial revolution had a very strong impact on the economy, it also drastically affected society.  For instance, a hot topic that changed in the society was the standard of living.  It is said that the first sustained growth of living standards were achieved during the industrial revolution. During the industrial revolution, the population of the country rose dramatically, almost doubling in the time period. The industrial revolution was a pioneer as it was the “first period in history during which there was a simultaneous increase in population and in per capita income.” Prior to the industrial revolution, most workers were spread across the country and performed medial jobs such as home farmers and sustenance lifestyle. The urbanization of the world but specifically in England was a result of the industrial revolution. Individuals across the countryside traveled to the cities that allowed citizens to get and maintain jobs that were created as a result of the industrial revolution and new abundant product and service outputs. Another extremely beneficial effect on society as a result of the industrial revolution is the increased efficiency in making newspapers. You might be asking yourself how do newspapers affect society.  As the mass production of newspaper began, more individuals were able to access the abundant papers.  This led to a drastic rise in the literacy rate as well as increased demand for mass political participation.

        Increased political participation during the early 1800’s amongst the citizens of England is a direct result of a thriving economy and an enlightened society. During the height of the industrial revolution, England was a world power.  They controlled about 25 percent of the all the worlds land and decided to rename itself, United Kingdom of England and Ireland.  The name change is very beneficial to the public relations of the country.  For instance, when a restaurant needs to start over and get a fresh new start, they come up with a new name.  While so many things were going good during the name change in 1800, the change in name stressed unity. The name change added the word United which harped on unity and how it has been a key point in politics.  This is so because a leader is much more efficient and effective if they have there followers attention and respect. The hierarchy of power during the industrial revolution favored parliament rather than the monarch.  The decisions of economical, societal, and political, issues are all the responsibilities of the parliament rather than that of a glorified figurehead. As previously stated the economy affected politics drastically.  The growth in the economy and the increased imports and exports led to increased relations amongst other countries and benefits the country in international exposure.