News from Mr Packard
Message #1 Posted by jose goncalves (brasil) on 15 July 2003, 5:30 p.m.
I was reading a Business Week feature called "Hewlett-Packard: where slower growth is smarter management" (BW June 9, 1975), something that should be read by people interested in the future of that company. I quote the first part of it:
"David Packard ... then proceeded to set the ... company's strategy for survival in the fast-changing world of high-technology electronics. The leading producer of electronic instruments and a major force in minicomputers and calculators had grown too fast in the boom years of 1972-73, Packard declared.
He ticked off the disturbing results. Inventories and accounts receivable got out of hand, products went into production before they were fully developed, and prices were set too low. The problems were well in hand now, but Packard wanted to be sure that the lesson was understood.
"Somewhere we got into the idea that market share was an objective," Packard told his attentive audience, jingling a pocketful of coins for emphasis. "I hope that's straightened out. Anyone can build market share, and if you set your prices low enough, you can get the whole damn market. But I'll tell you it won't get you anywhere around here."
Packard's feisty speech was part of a year-long campaign he and President William R. Hewlett have been waging to reemphasize the principles they laid down when they launched their unique partnership 36 years ago. The fact that Hewlett and Packard had to initiate and lead the drive personally shows clearly why some company watchers are beginning to worry about what will happen to the high-flyer once its two founders depart."
How things have changed since ! Right now market share is everything, even if you have to resort to low end products ! Strange times !
Jose
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