Introduction: Research Topics and Analytical Framework

This chapter elaborates on the book’s purpose and significance using findings from previous research on related topics. It begins by explaining changes in German interfirm relationships due to globalization and Americanization after the 1990s. Subsequently, building and developing relationships between industry and banks are considered in terms of their historical context, universal banking system, principal forms and fundamental characteristics of personal unions, corporate governance systems, and changes in personnel connections. Based on these examinations, four research topics will be identified: (1) the structure of personnel ties built through interlocking directorates, (2) the functions of such personnel connections, (3) the structure of functions of personnel connections through the bank advisory council system, and (4) the German form of “finance capital” based on the uniting and knitting of monopolistic capitals in industries and banking. Furthermore, the analytical framework used in this book is described from the perspective of industry–bank relationships, including business management issues concerning behavioral mode, mutual relationships among political, industrial, and business economies, accumulation structure of German enterprises, and the methodology of social network analysis.