Abstract
Despite the steady supply of books on management we still have very few sociological accounts of managerial work and organisation within particular firms and industries. Through first-hand observation and over twelve months intensive interviewing, the authors were able to uncover a virtual anthropology of managerial ideology, generational conflict, career and intra-managerial politics and arbitration in four manufacturing firms. One such case-study firm is presented here. Despite being riven with conflict between an Old School and a New School ascendant, and between conflicting patterns of industrial bureaucracy, ‘Parkers’ is a highly successful company. The use of an external firm of management consultants has helped keep the peace, but beneath the surface there is persistent instability, barely concealed by official euphemisms. Under pressure from the trade unions, from instrumental young managers, and above all from external control by overseas HQ, the Old School believed it is making its last stand. All names and places have of course been changed.
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