Abstract:

This paper examines some aspects of the working relationship between clients and the personnel of commercial research agencies in the UK. From an examination of a number of actual projects, some indicators are proposed of factors likely to promote a successful or an unsuccessful outcome to contracts, and in itemising the sorts of problems which may arise, the author advances the concept of reciprocity of roles between the the two sides as the most fruitful basis for the working relationship. The paper also offers some tentative guidelines for ways in which these problems in the working relationship may be avoided or lessened.