166-549 Business and Government

Formerly available as 166-439. Students who have completed 166-439 are not eligible to enrol in this subject.

Admission to the Master of Public Policy and Management one-year program or fourth-year honours in political science or public policy and management by special permission from the subject coordinator.

The respective roles and interactions between business and government are crucial for the political economy of a country. Because of its productive function, business enjoys a privileged position with government, while a major part of government is concerned with the monitoring and managing of business. The structure and role of both have been changing rapidly in recent times, as have the conceptual tools for understanding them. This subject critically reviews contemporary writing and developments and uses case examples to familiarise students with theoretical, normative and practical issues for both sides of this important relationship. On completion of the subject, students should have an understanding of the character and inter-relationship of business and government in contemporary society including: changing private and public sector boundaries; the re-configuration of the mixed economy; the neo-liberal paradigm and its critics; the impact on business of the socio-political environment; the role of interest groups in public policy; changing expectations of corporate governance; the role of business advocacy; government regulation of business; alternatives of self regulation and co-regulation; the effects of globalisation; the growth of the transnational corporations.

• be able to apply research skills and critical methods to a field of inquiry;

• be able to develop persuasive arguments on a given topic;

• be able to communicate oral and written arguments and ideas effectively and articulately.

A review essay of 1500 words 30% (due mid-semester) and a research paper of 3500 words 70% (due during the examination period).

A subject reader will be provided.