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The article discusses the Sharp Corp. (Sharp) electronics manufacturing firm based in Japan, focusing on Sharp's status in the global electronics industry in the wake of what the author refers to as executives' failures to anticipate and adapt to changes in the industry. The economic aspects of Chinese manufacturing are assessed, along with Sharp's focus on Japan and the prices that are associated with liquid-crystal displays (LCDs). Flat-screen television sales are examined.

The article focuses on decreased tolerance by corporations for personal misbehavior by top executives. The case of Chris Albrecht, fired from his job as Chief Executive Officer at Home Box Office after an arrest for hitting his girlfriend is cited along with other examples. The firing of Don Imus is said to show mass media companies as particularly sensitive in such cases. A similar charge against Albrecht in 1991 had no repercussions. Corporate policies on alcoholism vary.

The article reports that business and financial leaders in Great Britain stay silent concerning the country's perceived exit from the European Union. It states that pro-Europeans are frustrated by the unwillingness of these people on the risks of withdrawal. Glenis Willmott of the British Labour Party says that businesspeople consider the move to be disastrous for business in the country.

Examines how U.S. business is beginning to increase spending on new machines and equipment. Goal of investing in these tools in order to cut costs; How the replenishment of depleted stocks by companies contributed to the surge in economic growth in the first quarter of 2002; Observation that capital spending and hiring must take place to sustain an economic expansion; Views of business executives; Why capital spending is a swing factor in economic growth; Outlook.