Human Relations in Industry

It might well have been an invidious task to review a book by the Editor of a Journal for which the review was meant, but in this instance no difficulties arise, since there is little to criticize and much to praise. This book is based upon one of the series of lectures given by the author in the training courses held at Roffey Park Rehabilitation Centre in 1947 and 1948. Although the original groups to which these lectures were given included many and varied professional and industrial skills, it is clear that the subject matter was intended for those with little technical pre-knowledge of the dynamics of human relationships ; this book is, therefore, written in very simple, non-technical language and it deals with essential basic concepts and ideas. It will supply little that is new to the more initiated and advanced student, though even he will find it of value perhaps in simplifying and clarifying his own teaching methods. But for the Industrial Medical Officer, Personnel Manager or Welfare Worker who wishes for a clear introduction to the emotional and sociological patterns behind his work, it will prove most valuable. Although essentially concerned with the problems of human behaviour and management as they appear in industry, it is broad enough in its approach to be a useful introductory textbook to the study of any human relationship problem. It is an interesting comment on the attitudes of both the author and the Roffey Park teams, that this book shows so much clear evidence of the use of the discussion group as an educational and training method ; the obvious success and advantages this technique showed is, in itself, as good