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Business history is a field of historiography which looks at the history of firms and related aspects. According to The Oxford Handbook of Business History, "Business historians study the historical evolution of business systems, entrepreneurs, and firms, as well as their interaction with their political, economic, and social environement."[1] It shares similarities with economic history as well as various other fields and is often taught as part of business studies programmes.

Business history first emerged in the United States in the 1920s.

Modern business historians...

History

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The idea of writing history about companies originated in Continental Europe around 1900.[2] However, early business history was particularly associated with the United States.

The term "business history" was coined in the 1920s. The term itself is believed to have been created by Wallace Brett Donham, dean of the Harvard Graduate School of Business Administration, who saw history as an aide to teaching business studies. In 1927, Donham and N. S. B. Gras established the first academic journal in the field known as the Journal of Economic and Business History.[2] The Great Depression and disagreements between Donham and Gras led to the field becoming increasingly focused on "somewhat narrowly orientated company histories".[3]

Business history grew during the first decades of the Cold War. Notable research was conducted by Alfred D. Chandler Jr., described as "by far the most recognized scholar in business history", focusing on the history of manufacturing, large firms, and distribution.[1]

In recent years, business history has become increasingly comparative and global in scope.[4]

Journals

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Notable specialist academic journals in the field of business history include:

References

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  1. ^ a b Jones & Zeitlin 2007, p. 1.
  2. ^ a b Williamson 1966, p. 407.
  3. ^ Williamson 1966, p. 408.
  4. ^ a b c d e f g Jones & Zeitlin 2007, p. 3.

Bibliography

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  • Jones, Geoffrey; Zeitlin, Jonathan (2007). "Introduction". In Jones, Geoffrey; Zeitlin, Jonathan (eds.). The Oxford Handbook of Business History. Oxford: Oxford University Press. ISBN 978-0-19-926368-4.
  • Williamson, Harold F. (1966). "Business History and Economic History". The Journal of Economic History. 26 (4): 407–417. doi:10.1017/S0022050700077469. JSTOR 2115899.