Conclusion: Historical Changes in Personnel Connections and Industry–Bank Relationships in Germany

This chapter expands on the previous chapters’ discussions and clarifies the implications of the analyses presented in this book. The characteristics and significance of changes in personnel connections between industry and banks will be examined in light of the historical conditions in each period analyzed in previous chapters. The special characteristics of interfirm relationships based on personnel relationships in Germany are examined in light of two key issues presented in Chap. 1 , namely “corporate control” and “corporate rule.” The German form of Lenin’s “finance capital,” which he proposed as a capital form created by uniting and knitting industrial and banking capital, and its significance are explained. Understanding the role of personnel connection systems and personnel networks established by interlocking directorates clarifies the mechanism for achieving such objectives from the perspectives of industry and banking. This chapter also discusses the significance of personnel connections between a bank and an industrial enterprise in terms of German enterprises’ behavioral mode and accumulation structure.