Fairfield Experiment facts for kids

The Fairfield experiment was a special project in the 1960s. It happened at the Fairfield Shipbuilding and Engineering Company in Glasgow, Scotland. This experiment was about trying new ways for workers, managers, and company owners to work together.

The company was in trouble and almost closing down. So, a man named Sir Iain Maxwell Stewart, who was a business leader, started the idea. He got help from George Brown, a very important government official at the time.

In 1966, George Brown agreed to give the company £1 million (which is like over £13 million today!). This money was to help the Trade Unions (groups that protect workers), the company's managers, and the owners try out new ways of running the business. The goal was to save the company and its jobs.

What Was the Fairfield Experiment About?

The Fairfield experiment was a big effort to change how a large company worked. It focused on improving "industrial relations," which means how the people who run a factory or business get along with the people who work there.

The main idea was to see if everyone could work together better. This included the company's leaders, the workers, and the people who owned parts of the company. They wanted to find new ways to manage the business so it could succeed and not close down.

Who Was Involved in the Experiment?

Several important people and groups played a part in the Fairfield experiment:

• Sir Iain Maxwell Stewart: He was a key business leader who first thought of the experiment. He believed that new ways of working together could save the company.
• George Brown: He was a top government official, like a senior minister, in the government led by Harold Wilson. He saw the importance of the experiment and helped get the money needed for it.
• The Trade Unions: These are groups that represent workers and help make sure they are treated fairly. They were a big part of the experiment, working with management.
• The Management: These were the people who ran the Fairfield company day-to-day. They had to try new ways of leading and working with their employees.
• The Shareholders: These are the people who own parts of the company. They also agreed to try these new ideas to help the business survive.

Why Was the Experiment Important?

The Fairfield experiment was important because it was a new way of thinking about business. Instead of just managers telling workers what to do, everyone was encouraged to work together. This was a big deal in the 1960s.

It showed that even when a big company is in trouble, trying new ideas and working as a team can make a difference. It was an example for other companies on how to improve relationships between workers and bosses.

The Bowler and the Bunnet

The Fairfield Experiment was so interesting that a film was made about it!

• The Bowler and the Bunnet was the name of the film.
• It was directed by the famous actor Sean Connery, who played James Bond.
• The story for the film was written by Cliff Hanley.
• The film helped show people what the Fairfield experiment was all about and why it was so important.