Peter Browning and Continental White Cap

Question #1: What was Browning¡¦s predicament at White Cap?

From the very start, Browning recognized two major obstacles that he would have to address. First, three were only a few people at White Cap that would acknowledge the need for change because business results had been quite impressive for last 50 years and slumps were perceived as cyclical and transient. Second, there was a family-style culture well known for long-term loyalty from the employees, long-standing traditions of job security, liberal benefits, and paternalistic management. Browning had almost a feeling that attempts to alter these traditions would not be welcome. Browning¡¦s assignment was to revitalize and reposition the division to remain market leader in the face of changes in the competitive environment. There were by then five significant manufacturers in the national marketplace and 70 worldwide. The advantage White Cap had maintained in the market made it difficult to effectively stay competitive wit...