Thrusters and Sleepers : A Study of Attitudes in Industrial Management

First published in 1965. This book is of compelling interest to all concerned with the good management of industry. This report examines the attitudes of managers towards the problems that confront them. The attitude of managers can be divided in to two broad categories, described in the report as ''thrusting'' and ''sleeping''. The research conducted in this report shows that the managements of ''thrusting'' firms are characterized, first, by a determination to expand, secondly by a precise knowledge of the environment in which they operate and, thirdly, by the systematic use of techniques which enable them to make rational decisions. In order to find possible ways in which more firms might achieve a similar ''self-awareness'' PEP staff had discussions with nearly 100 businessmen, senior civil servants, scientists and educationalists. As a result of these investigations PEP has formulated some suggestions as to how the gap between thrusters and sleepers might be narrowed to the benefit of the whole economy.