ABSTRACT
This chapter examines some of the differences in the relationship between engineers and managers across divergent economies. It suggests some models for explaining these differences, relate these to the situation of British engineers and discusses the possibility and mechanisms for diffusing different ways of integrating these two groups from one society to another. Engineers and management are therefore central features of contemporary society. Engineers have been assumed to be technical experts, the translators of industrial design practice, the masters of production control and surveillance, performing similar functions across all advanced societies. Comparative study, as well as testing the universality of our conception of what an engineer is, also holds up a mirror to one’s own society, allowing careful exploration of points of difference, strengths and weaknesses. The chapter also presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in this book.
