BOONE, N.C. — Dr. Pia Albinsson, professor in the Department of Marketing and Supply Chain Management in Appalachian State University’s Walker College of Business (WCOB), has co-authored the book “Uber,” which provides a detailed analysis of the success behind the ride-haling company Uber Technologies Inc.

The book, released in January, is part of the “Corporations That Changed the World” series published by ABC-CLIO LLC, an industry leader in the creation of reference and professional development resources.

“Uber” provides insights into the inner workings of the sharing economy and delivers a comprehensive overview of Uber’s technological innovations, global expansion and business model.

The book also explores the leadership challenges faced by Uber founder Travis Kalanick and reports how the company has addressed claims of a sexist corporate culture.

“In less than a decade, Uber has disrupted the ride-hailing industry, from making it easier and more affordable to become an Uber driver than a cab driver to rating riders as well as drivers,” the publisher’s website states. “As an early pioneer in using technology to create a new business model and new efficiencies, Uber is considered one of the most important case studies in the sharing economy.”

The website continues, “Students of business, entrepreneurs and anyone interested in the development and exponential growth of the sharing economy will benefit from reading this book.”

Albinsson co-authored “Uber” with Dr. B. Yasanthi Perera, assistant professor of business ethics at Brock University in Canada.

Drs. Albinsson and Perera have collaborated previously, co-authoring the book “The Rise of the Sharing Economy: Exploring the Challenges and Opportunities of Collaborative Consumption” in 2018.

“Uber” is available in e-book and hardback formats from ABC-CLIO, as well as booksellers Amazon and Barnes & Noble, and is available in e-book format through Appalachian’s Belk Library and Information Commons. A physical copy of the book has been ordered for the library’s main stacks.

Uber

By B. Yasanthi Perera and Pia A. Albinsson
2020

Uber is one of the most innovative companies of our time. This book provides a detailed analysis of the company and its success and goes beyond the headlines about safety and culture.

Americans are so accustomed to using Uber today that the name of the innovative ride-sharing company has almost become a verb, as in "to Uber" somewhere, and yet Uber has been around only since 2010. In less than a decade, Uber has disrupted the ride-hailing industry, from making it easier and more affordable to become an Uber driver than a cab driver to rating riders as well as drivers. As an early pioneer in using technology to create a new business model and new efficiencies, Uber is considered one of the most important case studies in the sharing economy.

However, little in-depth information exists on this innovative company. This book traces Uber's origin and evolution in the face of competitive pressures, discusses the company leadership and corporate culture, addresses such controversies as rider and driver safety and sexual harassment of female employees, and explores how the company is addressing these challenges. Students of business, entrepreneurs, and anyone interested in the development and exponential growth of the sharing economy will benefit from reading this book.

Available from Greenwood / ABC-CLIO

About Dr. Pia Albinsson

Albinsson currently holds the John W. Guffey Jr. Professorship in Appalachian’s Walker College of Business, where she has taught since 2009. Her research interests include collaborative consumption, consumer activism, sustainability and advertising effectiveness.

Her work has been published or is forthcoming in the European Journal of Marketing, the International Journal of Retailing and Distribution Management, the Journal of Macromarketing, the Journal of Consumer Behaviour, the Journal of Public Policy and Marketing, and the Journal of Marketing Theory and Practice, among others.

Albinsson received the 2016 China Studies Institute Zhi-Xing China Academic Leaders Fellowship sponsored by the American Association of State Colleges and Universities (AASCU) and China Education Association for International Exchange (CEAIE).

She was a fellow for the Society for Marketing Advances Doctoral Consortium in St. Petersburg, Florida, in 2008, and the AMA-Sheth Foundation Doctoral Consortium in Atlanta in 2009.

Prior to academia, Albinsson spent several years working in the tourism industry in Greece, Malaysia and Portugal, as well as with banking and marketing in her native Stockholm, Sweden.

She holds an MBA and Ph.D. from New Mexico State University.

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Appalachian’s Pia Albinsson explores the ‘sharing economy’ in new book

Feb. 7, 2018

“The Rise of the Sharing Economy: Exploring the Challenges and Opportunities of Collaborative Consumption,” co-authored by Pia Albinsson, marketing professor at Appalachian, and B. Yasanthi Perera, explores collaborative consumption and the rise of the ‘sharing economy.’

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About the Department of Marketing and Supply Chain Management

At Appalachian State University, students in the Walker College of Business’ Department of Marketing and Supply Chain Management learn to drive industry initiatives that develop customer satisfaction and retention, contribute to company profits and build connections with suppliers, distributors and the community. Students majoring in marketing may select a concentration in general marketing, digital marketing or sales. Students majoring in supply chain management (SCM) learn about logistics, operations, strategic sourcing, process improvement strategies and supply chain technologies, enabling them to compete in the global marketplace and help future employers reduce costs, improve profits and expand their markets. Learn more at https://marketing.appstate.edu.

About the Walker College of Business

The Walker College of Business at Appalachian State University delivers transformational educational experiences that prepare and inspire students to be ethical, innovative and engaged business leaders who positively impact their communities, both locally and globally. The college places emphasis on international experiences, sustainable business practices, entrepreneurial programs and real-world applications with industry. Enrolling approximately 4,000 undergraduates in 10 majors, Walker College has the highest enrollment of full-time undergraduate students in the University of North Carolina System, and more than 200 graduate students are enrolled in the college’s three master’s programs. Walker College is accredited by AACSB International — the premier global accrediting body for business schools. Learn more at https://business.appstate.edu.

About Appalachian State University

As a premier public institution, Appalachian State University prepares students to lead purposeful lives. App State is one of 17 campuses in the University of North Carolina System, with a national reputation for innovative teaching and opening access to a high-quality, affordable education for all. The university enrolls more than 21,000 students, has a low student-to-faculty ratio and offers more than 150 undergraduate and 80 graduate majors at its Boone and Hickory campuses and through App State Online. Learn more at https://www.appstate.edu.