Publications
Publications
  • March 1986 (Revised July 2000)
  • Case
  • HBS Case Collection

Peter Browning and Continental White Cap (A)

  • Format:Print
  • | Language:Spanish
  • | Pages:8
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Abstract

Presents a new divisional vice president's entry into a well-established and still successful manufacturing organization which is nevertheless facing an impending competitive crisis. Demonstrates his challenge and his efforts, under pressure from corporate headquarters, to convince his staff that the crisis is real and to make changes in the organization's family culture and practice, in order to better position them to face the onslaught of price wars and new technology. Concludes with several complex choices facing the new vice president as he considers whether or not to replace some key but problematic senior managers, and what strategy to adopt in his relations with the retired but still visible descendant of the firm's founder.

Keywords

Organizational Change and Adaptation; Leading Change; Crisis Management; Manufacturing Industry

Citation

Jick, Todd D., and Mary C. Gentile. "Peter Browning and Continental White Cap (A)." Harvard Business School Case 486-090, March 1986. (Revised July 2000.)

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