Getting a Job: Nepotism or Meritocracy?

Writer and satirist Lucy Kellaway traces the origins of today's corporate culture.

In this episode, Lucy reveals how hiring the 'best man for the job' wasn't always the way it was done.

In the 19th century, office jobs were often obtained by patronage rather than qualifications. In the Northcote-Trevelyan report of 1853, Sir Charles Trevelyan campaigned to introduce meritocratic recruitment to the civil service. But his ideas were met with hostility in many quarters. Lucy visits the Houses of Parliament and speaks to John Greenaway of East Anglia University

Readings by Richard Katz, Sasha Pick, Adam Rojko and Kerry Shale
Historical Consultant: Michael Heller

Producer: Russell Finch
A Somethin' Else production for BBC Radio 4.