The qiyejituan — collections of companies and firms that are joined via social and economic ties — have been playing an increasingly vital role in China's economy, just as the "chaebol" have been so important to Korea and the "keiretsu" to Japan.

What are the characteristics of companies that succeed, even in tough times? The stories behind the five winners of this year's Spirit of Enterprise Awards are instructive.

Tim Brady, founder of Yahoo … Mitch Kapor, founder of Lotus Development … Max Levchin, founder of PayPal … Steve Wozniak, founder of Apple. All are legends in the technology world. But once upon a time, they were regular people. Where did they get their 'big ideas'?

Herman Cain believes he has one gift that has allowed him to attain every goal he's set for himself: the ability to inspire.

From Google to Jet Blue and Patagonia to Trader Joe's, companies of all kinds are attempting to craft cultures and identities so idealistic that they could rightly be called "sacred." These companies are espousing these sacred ideals, values, beliefs, goals, behaviors and processes not only to at

September 10, 2001, was the first and last business day for a small pizza parlor in lower Manhattan; without business interruption insurance, the owners did not have enough funds to cover fixed expenses until they could repair and reopen the restaurant following the 9/11 attack on the World Trade

In 1949 when Shirley Schmitz graduated from Arizona State University women leaders were an anomaly in business. Now 80, she is charismatic and sharp, and could easily fill a book with insights earned during her own high-octane career.

As higher fuel costs gobble up airline profits, the carriers are imposing new fees on passengers in an attempt to make up the difference. William A.

It is a ritual in offices around the country: the morning meet-up. Although employees may have already clocked in and should theoretically be hard at work, they meander over to the coffee pot, fill up a cup and kibitz.

What's riskier? Staying in the pack or venturing cautiously out on a limb?