Business History of Britain, 1900-90s

Business history has developed as an academic subject since the 1970s. Drawing on recent research and debate, this text plainly outlines the history of major aspects of business behaviour in 20th-century Britain, presuming little prior knowledge of history, business, or economics on the student's part. The text is organized in three sections: the business environment; business organization; and entrepreneurship and management. The first section outlines the changes that have most powerfully affected business, including global political and economic developments, and technological changes. The second section deals with business structures and strategies, merger waves, multinationals and small firms. Special attention is given to the role of the City of London and the financial sector, and also to the revolution in retailing. The third part of the text examines the social origins, education, and training of business leaders and evaluates the performance of British management with respect to research and development, labour relations, and marketing. The last two chapters are about the shaping of company culture and business ethics. Common to all the chapters are: the chapter's objectives; an outline of chapter contents; a concluding list of points the student should have learned; discussion questions; and a guide to further reading.Table of ContentAcknowledgements. Introduction. Notes on general sources. Notes on the internal purchasing power of the pound. A. THE BUSINESS ENVIRONMENT. 1: Markets: political dimensions. 2: Markets: economic dimensions. 3: Technical change and business. 4: Business and the state. B. BUSINESS ORGANISATION. 5: Business structures and strategies. 6: Merger waves and the creation of big businesses in Britain. 7: Multinational activity. 8: The City and industry: London and the financial sector in British Business. 9: The birth, growth and death of firms: SMEs and retailing. C. ENTREPRENEURSHIP AND MANAGEMENT. 10: Entrepreneurs and managers: origins, education, training. 11: Management and research and development. 12: Management and labour relations. 13: Management and marketing. 14: Company culture. 15: Business ethics. Conclusion. Reading list. Questions for discussion. Appendix: 50 largest employers in the UK in 1907, 1935, 1955, 1992. Index