This study attempts to characterise what is particular about the style of management and the nature of management jobs in France. In essence, the research sets out to explore the following themes: - Is Crozier right - just how formal, hierarchic and bureaucratic is French management? To what extent is French management education responsible for the singularities of French management? How do socio-cultural factors affect the French management style? Is there a convergence of national management styles, a universal model which transcends national boundaries? What are the perceived strengths and weaknesses of French management? These questions are answered in part in terms of the 1iterature and in terms of the evidence from non-participant observation and direct interviewing. The study ties together several disciplines which have often been treated separately - management, sociology, anthropology - to give a better overall picture of the interaction between French management and society.