Scott Bader : a viable form of workplace democracy

Abstract

The Scott Bader Commonwealth has existed now for 43 years, within a highly competitive sector of business; the chemical industry. Therefore, it could be argued very strongly that this form of enterprise is no longer an experiment but has in fact proved to be extremely viable, and very durable. The history of Scott Bader dates back to 1920, when Emest Bader formed Scott Bader Company Limited, a merchandising venture with the sole agency for Swiss ceIIuloid in the United Kingdom. The name Scott Bader is an amalgamation of two family names; Dora Scott being the maiden name of Mrs Bader. Emest Bader turned to manufacturing in 1937 from premises in the East End of London. To escape the London blitz, the company moved to WoIlaston in 1940 and settled there in rural Northamptonshire. A new factory was built in a 44 acre site, and production commenced. 1951 saw the formation of The Scott Bader Commonwealth, when 90% of the shares of Scott Bader Company were given to the employees, then numbering around 150. They all became members of The Scott Bader Commonwealth and thus coowners of Scott Bader Company Limited.