protective tariff: tariff levied to protect a domestic
industry from foreign competition (see revenue tariff). proxy: a written authorization transferring voting
rights to another at a stockholders' meeting.
public utilities: privately owned firms that provide an
essential public service and are subject to government regula-
tion.
purchasing power: value of money.
push strategy: attempt by a manufacturer to push the
product towards the customer.
put: an option to sell a certain amount of stock at a
specific price during a specific time.
Q qualification: something such as a degree or a diploma
that you get when you successfully finish a course of study.
quality circles: small, voluntary groups of employees
who meet regularly to identify and solve work problems.