Professionalism and Work Organisation: Some “Loose Ends and Open Questions”

Abstract

This note examines the thesis advanced by Child, Fores, Glover and Lawrence that a British conception of professionalism has underlain developments in post-school education and shaped a characteristic pattern of work organisation with depressing effects on the status and performance of British manufacturing industry. Historical and contemporary material is used to question the historical generalisations, omissions, interpretations, and policy recommendations which concentrate on reform of the educational system in the search for improved economic performance. In conclusion it is argued that further research and policy is more appropriately directed to employer conduct in training and employment.