Unbridled economic competition

A new era of competition has emerged since the 1970s, especially in connection with the globalization of economic processes. Competition is no longer describing a mode of functioning of a particular market configuration (a competitive market) as distinct from oligopolistic and monopolistic markets. To be competitive has ceased to be a means. Competitiveness has acquired the status of a universal credo and ideology. For capital competitiveness has become the short and middle term primary goal whilst profitability remains the long term goal and the reason for the existence any enterprise. For government, the competitiveness of the country is now the primary concern, with the view to attract and retain capital within its territory, in order to secure a maximum level of employment, access for local capital to global technology, and revenue needed to maintain a minimum of social peace. The competitiveness imperative between commercial enterprises and between nations has also permeated and now directs the behaviour of board members of universities and colleges, education ministries, trade unions, national parliaments, mass media, and urban planners.

Unrestrained and taken to excess as it tends to be, the ideology of competition overrules other approaches to organizing economic, political and social life. It imposes its logic upon other human, social and environmental dimensions, often pretending that it needs to ignore them as of secondary consideration. It obscures recognition that it is not the only value that can operate in the service of individual countries.

There is a new and pervasive competitive climate for business in Europe, responding to American and Japanese rivals. This has resulted in mergers and strategic alliances to help create giant companies, which can hold larger market shares and reap economies of scale. The rate of mergers and acquisitions has more than doubled between 1987 and 1989.