Introduction

Abstract

This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book argues for greater recognition of the role of consultants and consultancy firms in the training and professionalisation of management in Britain during the twentieth century. It understands what drove the managerial revolution in Britain during the twentieth century. The book argues that the lateness of the managerial revolution in Britain can be attributed to the need for British companies to develop excess managerial capacity in order to adapt to the market conditions they were facing. It shows the changes in scale and scope of the consultancy industry necessitating changes in the methods of educating new consultants into the field. The book also shows how the Taylorism held appeal to people from vastly different ideological positions through the work of Walter Polakov and his membership of the Taylor Society.