Micheline Maynard

The Selling of the American Economy is perfect for reading groups that choose business books, or for readers in any part of the United States where foreign companies are a visible presence. Here are some questions you can use in discussing my book. I’m always happy to hear from book groups, so feel free to email me at michelinemaynard at gmail dot com if you want my input.

1) How do you feel about “Buy American”? Do you buy products because they are made in the U.S. or do you buy based on your personal needs?

2) The book discusses the fear that many people have of foreign investments in the U.S. To some, American companies are representatives of our economic power, and these people feel they should take priority. To others, this is now a global economy and we need to make sure companies feel welcome here. What’s your view?

3) Which foreign companies are in your community? Do you know anyone who has worked for a foreign company? What’s that experience been like? How would you feel about working for a foreign company?

4) Many foreign companies have invested in states with right to work laws, meaning their workers cannot be required to join unions. As a result, unions have had trouble organizing workers at companies like Toyota, Honda and Mercedes-Benz. What do you think of this practice?

5) Whether they are Republicans or Democrats, public officials are actively seeking foreign investments in their states. Is this a good use of their time, and their states’ money?

6) The book takes a close look at several companies, including Toyota, EADS, which owns Airbus, Tata from India and Haier of China. All of them want to expand in the United States in coming years. What should be required of foreign companies that do business here?

7) Finally, many of the people who are interviewed in the book say they went to work for foreign companies because “jobs are jobs.” Is that true, or should Americans try to find other places to work?