The emergence of the technostructure: lessons from the East India Company 1713‐1836

Abstract

This article examines the locus of power in the large corporation (The East India Company) over a 125 year period and the career paths of two of its dominant players (Laurence Sulivan and James Mill). Sulivan embodies the character of such modern powerful leaders as Jack Welch and Lee Iacocca. Mill represents the modern power broker associated with the “technostructure”. What gave rise to the technostructure? What were the qualities of Sulivan and Mill which allowed them to dominate the organization? These are two of the questions investigated.

Citation

Buchan, P.B. (2003), "The emergence of the technostructure: lessons from the East India Company 1713‐1836", Management Decision, Vol. 41 No. 1, pp. 105-116. https://doi.org/10.1108/00251740310445563