Lessons from the Basque country

A visit was made to the Basque Country of Spain to investigate the success of the region's manufacturing industry. The industrial practices in the Basque country were compared with those in the UK, in particular with regard to team management, and in analysing the reasons why manufacturing was successful in the Basque Country, while countries like Scotland have a declining economy. This article focuses on two of the companies that were visited, the philosophy, principles and management style of which differ from most organisations.