Investment and decision making in the UK distant water fishing industry: a case study of the Consolidated Steam Fishing and Ice Company 1905‐1980

Analyses the relationship between concepts of enterprise and hierarchy and what effects both terms mean in the growth and development of companies. The method chosen to examine these issues is that of a case study of a UK trawling company. Attempts to look at the issue of a company management in a lateral way, not so much comparing enterprise and hierarchy to try and prove one or the other is the main reason for company success or failure, but to look at their relationship over a long period of time. Firms need to keep a capacity to be entrepreneurial in order to develop properly but they also need rigour to provide stability. However, as this case study proves, it would appear that a solely hierarchical management structure is more likely to be the norm after the founding entrepreneur has vacated power than the mixed needed to ensure ongoing viability.