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- Title
Vom Verein zum Unternehmen?: Reformen im Verband Deutscher Maschinen- und Anlagenbau in den 70er und 80er Jahren.
- Authors
Ahrens, Ralf
- Abstract
The article describes the reform efforts of the Association of German Machinery and Equipment Manufacturers (VDMA) in the 1960s and 1970s. The association was under pressure to adapt to the needs of its member companies and become more efficient. Measures were taken to improve the flow of information, streamline the organization, and introduce new areas of activity such as marketing and consulting. Increased public relations efforts were also made to improve the association's image. The VDMA changed its name and modernized its logo to appear more contemporary. The Association of German Machinery and Equipment Manufacturers (VDMA) modernized its designation and encountered limitations in the process. There was increasing competition among associations for members, public funds, and power. The VDMA not only competed with other associations as a political interest group, but also in the field of technical and business information services. There were also discussions about the allocation of new technology-related groups to the VDMA. There were debates about adjusting the contribution structure, as the revenue from contributions was no longer sufficient to cover the increased expenses. A commission was established to reform the contribution regulations and solve the dilemma. A contribution scale was introduced, which became degressive for high turnovers. However, there were still financial problems, and measures were taken to address the structural deficit. The article describes the challenges faced by the Association of German Machinery and Equipment Manufacturers (VDMA) in the 1970s and 1980s. Due to the success of some companies, industry revenues grew faster than contributions, leading to financial problems. To solve these problems, the key values of the contribution scale were raised and a structure and contribution commission was established. Despite reforms and rationalization measures, the contribution collection model remained unchanged. However, the VDMA was able to secure its solvency and long-term existence and experienced an increase in member companies. The association's reforms demonstrate tendencies of "economization" that have been observed in various political and social areas since the 1970s.
- Subjects
BUSINESS information services; PRESSURE groups; BUSINESS revenue; MANUFACTURING industries; MARKETING
- Publication
Zeitschrift für Unternehmensgeschichte, 2024, Vol 69, Issue 1, p1
- ISSN
0342-2852
- Publication type
Article
- DOI
10.1515/zug-2023-0008