The Big Boys

Consumer advocate Nader and his coauthor here offer a lively, well-researched attempt to unmask the little-known leaders of nine major U.S. corporations. Three subjects (including GM chairman Roger Smith) refused interview requests, but the others agreed to talk and sometimes engaged in provocative discussion of their careers, their companies and major public issues of the '80s. Drawing on public documents and hundreds of interviews with associates and others, the authors examine the views and actions of powerful figures: ""tough and resolute'' U.S. Steel chairman David Roderick, ``under siege'' as he closes plants and diversifies; Dow Chemical president Paul Oreffice, a ``hard-nosed political fighter'' known for the intensity of his attacks on critics; investment banker Felix Rohatyn and tax lobbyist Charles Walker, both highly visible political activists on the corporate scene; and two unconventional executives of unusual ``critical insight and candor,'' William Norris of Control Data and William McGowan of MCI. Also profiled are grain trader Whitney MacMillan and Northrop head Thomas Jones. Nader and Taylor fault these diverse leaders for failing to use their power to meet human needs outside their companies. (May 19)