ABSTRACT
Over the last few decades there has been much interest in the way that organisations develop and change, as well as in the significance of the contribution to this, and to the economy generally, made by particular groups. These might include, for example, those working in manu facturing or financial services, or those under the age of 25, or those over the age of 50. Indeed, over the last 20 years, as the UK manufacturing base has shrunk, the following question has been constantly asked, both in the media and elsewhere. Do we need to manufacture goods, or can we buy everything we need from other countries, and can we earn our living by selling our services abroad? And as the age profile of the population has altered, we have seen moves to keep young people in education, and to abolish 'ageism' in the workplace.
