Today"s culture is increasingly influenced--even dominated--by business; The Corporation provides readers with a basic understanding of how a corporation works and how it contributes to the wealth of its shareholders, employees, communities, and nations in which it is active. Part I addresses how and why the corporation developed historically (in legal, political, economic, and social context) and how it become the most dominant business form in the U.S. Part II covers the laws and regulations that influence the corporation"s daily operations and compares it with other business entities (such as partnerships) in the U.S. and around the world. Part III explores issues related to ethical conduct and accountability, and considers the future of the corporation in an era of economic anxiety. Featuring many company examples, illustrations, charts, a glossary, timeline, and listings of resources and references, The Corporation is an essential introduction to business and its role in society.