Mere physical change,manifested by a new factory,a new building, or a price of complex machinery,generally does not arouse the passions of the populace. But when the chang moves into the realm of idea , a wholly different and more massive impact upon society follows. If for example, a world corporation introduces the idea of upward mobility based only on merit and not on status, this may well offend an establishment fighting to preserve its privileges.
The nature of the value system which are carried by world corporations as agents of change run the gamut from simple improvements, like better lighting in manufacturing plants, to renovating whole neighborhoods.For example,Park Avenue in New York City north of Grand Central Station used to be lined on both side with old apartment houses.It was not until a multinational corporation,Unilever,saw the potential of putting a modern office building in this area that a whole new development was sparked in the city.
In the ancient struggle between those who believe in an open society where men,money,and ideas can more freely across national borders and those who would return to the jungle of economic nationalism, the men and women of the world corporations may furnish a new weight in the balance.