Originally published in 1955, this book examines the social background of the community and the organization at gypsum plant in the USA in 1950 where this strike occurred. It traces the lines of authority and communication between management, foremen and workers and analyses the clique groupings of the men in the plant. The author reports on what individuals thought of their jobs, their supervisors and their associates. With this background, it is possible to understand the specific events which led to the instigation and spread of the wildcat strike – to see what touched it off, how it could have been avoided and how it had to be settled. The book concentrates on the physical, emotional and social conditions which caused the strike and from this study draw conclusions pointing toward a general theory of group tensions.

This classic book will be of interest to those studying the history of industrial relations.