Abstract copyright UK Data Service and data collection copyright owner.

The growth of firms has been a central issue in writings on the theory of the firm, but little empirical work has been done on the subject. Much of the work in economics has been primarily statistical, and has not been concerned with sociological aspects, even though the theoretical literature has stressed the importance of managerial motivation. Moreover, most empirical work, in both economies and management, has been static in nature, or has been concerned with comparative statistics. This research concentrated on the process of growth, and was undertaken by economists and sociologists working together. It focussed attention on large firms, which were studied in detail, both from the point of view of their historical growth and their present policies and attitudes bearing on growth. A number of hypotheses derived from current theories were investigated.