Organisational background   The Free Hanseatic City of Bremen in northern Germany has a combined state and local government administration. In addition to the core administration, public services are organised through separate budgets, e.g. for the university, for businesses such as the Bremer Baubetrieb, for foundations (museums) and for companies partly or wholly owned by the City of Bremen.

  Organisational background   Rowenta Werke GmbH is part of the French Group SEB, which is the world’s leading manufacturer of small household appliances, and is the last iron manufacturer in operation in Germany. The Rowenta plant in Erbach im Odenwald, in southwest Germany, focuses on high-quality innovative products and produces about three million steam irons each year.

  Organisational background   The subject of this case study is a brewery and hotel operator, which is a major local employer in a small town in the east of England. Although the company has been in operation for many years, over the last five years it has undergone a sustained period of expansion, following major capital investment programmes. The company has a strong community presence and is viewed as an employer of choice in the area.

  Organisational background   The insurance group ‘Die Continentale’ has its headquarters in Dortmund and is a company rich in tradition. At present, the company comprises seven insurance companies and offers insurance and investment products. It is led by two mutual benefit societies, one offering health insurance – Continentale Krankenversicherung a.G. – and one offering life insurance – Continentale Lebensversicherung a.G.