The Management Research Group was founded in 1926 by Benjamin Seebohm Rowntree, and was based on an existing group in America, the Manufacturers Research Association of Massachusetts. The aim of the management research groups in this country was to provide a vehicle for the exchange of ideas, the collation of information and the discussion of problems common to member companies in order to promote more efficient management. Nine groups were set up around the country. Group 1, which was based in London and consisted of a small number of the largest manufacturing companies, co-ordinated the activities of Groups 2 - 8, which were based in the regions and consisted of small and medium sized companies. No company was accepted as a member without the unanimous agreement of all the member companies. Group 1 remained a totally autonomous group whose members interests were represented by their trade and employers associations. During the war it was decided that if the Group's views were not put forward by the usual trade or industrial organisation appropriate contact should be made between the Group's secretary and government officials. In 1943, Group 1 changed its title to the Industrial Management Research Association to show its separate identity from Groups 2 - 8.
From the guide to the Management Research Group, 1927-1978, (British Library of Political and Economic Science)
