This book is the outcome of many years' research and writing on the management of labour. Its origins go back to a doctoral dissertation at the London School of Economics on the role of employers' associations in the development of the British system of industrial relations. Subsequently over the years I sustained my interest in the central role of management in industrial relations and carried out further research on wider aspects of labour management in various industries and individual companies. The book provides a synthesis of my work and that of others in the area. I hope also that it makes new contributions in terms of concepts, knowledge, and interpretations.

Inevitably over the years I have accumulated a considerable debt of gratitude to various academic colleagues. B. C. Roberts and H. A. Clegg encouraged my original interest in the role of employers and my belief that they are the prime movers in industrial relations. Colleagues at the University of Kent have commented on various drafts of the manuscript and I would like in particular to thank J. Lovell, S. Glynn, J. Oxborrow, G. Crompton, and G. Rubin. Colleagues at the London School of Economics have also commented over the years and here I am particularly grateful to L. Hannah, T. Gourvish, S. Keeble, D. Baines, E. Hunt, R. Fitzgerald, and J. Tomlinson. Many others have helped with suggestions for improvement on specific themes and chapters. I have received assistance from economic and business historians who have corrected many of my historical errors and misunderstandings – G. Jones, J. Zeitlin, S. Tolliday, J. Melling, A. Reid, N. Whiteside, P. Thane, A. Mclvor, R. Coopey, L. Holden, and A. McKinlay.