U.S. BUSINESS METHODS

Press, Volume LXXXV, Issue 25741, 1 March 1949, Page 6

U.S. BUSINESS METHODS

TALK BY MR A.H. THOMAS Executive development was an aspect of large industries in America, which, in contrast to New Zealand, was given a great deal of thought, said Mr A. H. Thomas, New Zealand personnel manager of the Vacuum Oil Proprietary Company, Ltd., in a talk to the Christchurch Businessmen’s Club yesterday on the life of an American business executive. Prevention of waste and industrial relations were two other subjects closely studied, said Mr Thomas, The unions were organised on a different basis from those in New Zealand, and played an important part in the working of industries. The oil industry would have one union of workers, whose representatives met the heads of the firms regularly. Whether or not this system would work in New Zealand, it made for harmonious industrial relations in American business, said Mr Thomas. • The free play of private enterprise under the American political system was responsible for the rapid growth of the oil industry in its 100 years of existence, he said. Of the 100 largest industries in the United States, 18 were oil concerns. Mr Thomas said a trip to the United States was of great value to a New Zealand business man. "As we read in the papers every week, we are inclined to be a bit smug,” he said. “These visits help to break down our insularity.”