Braving The New World

Economics is often called the "dismal science," and a Harvard professor of business administration who holds 19 honorary doctorates might not sound like someone you'd want to have explain it to you. But when it comes to the new global economy, no one is clearer, more down to (the whole planet) earth, and has more to say about your business than Rosabeth Moss Kanter, whose book World Class: Thriving Locally in the Global Economy (Simon & Schuster) has received critical acclaim since it came out in 1995.

Kanter grew up in Cleveland, which she cites as an example of a city that has had a renaissance, in part because it's learned to adapt to the new global market. In the book, she also analyzes the strengths and weaknesses of other cities worldwide that have grappled with how to help local business meet increased competition from abroad while exploiting export opportunities. And she says you need to be "world class" even if you have no interest in doing business outside U.S. borders.