Surveillance archive: using reports in business history

Abstract

In a narrow sense, this essay is meant to encourage business historians to consider (and reconsider) the variety of public and private reports, which can provide insights into the operation of firms and industries. U.S. bank examiner reports tell us about how nineteenth century banks operated within a Republican political economy; European Union reports shine light on the differences and similarities between firms operating in various national markets and their relationship to increased economic integration; equity analyst reports present a forensic financial analysis while also revealing a company’s history. More broadly, this essay is also an invitation to reflect on reports as a nexus of surveillance and power. Indeed, such paperwork is power (the tricky bit is figuring out just what sort of power it is, and who wields it).