Design Characteristics and Functioning of Top Management Teams in Europe

This study explores the similarities and differences in the design and functioning of top management teams across national borders. Specifically, three issues are addressed. First, the status and definition of the ‘dominant coalition’ is explored. Second, the characteristics of top management team members are defined and, finally, aspects of their functioning are analyzed. A comparison between great britain, the netherlands and denmark reveals that although geographically close, significant differences still exist between the upper echelons.