Reversing the downward spiral: lessons from W.T. Grant and Sears Roebuck
提出一个组织衰退的通用模型，帮助管理者识别内外部衰退信号并制定应对策略，以W.T. Grant和西尔斯罗巴克两家零售商的案例说明关键要点。
Executive Overview Organizations are often unaware of internal and external conditions that signify the beginning of decline because decline is measured in terms of financial reports that reflect performance in previous time periods. In addition, organizations often suffer greatly from periods of inaction that occur while the organization's decision makers try to determine if the negative trends are temporary and what actions, if any. should be taken to restore prior levels of success. The notion of decline beginning with a period of inadequate information provided to decision makers, encourages managerial vigilance, for both internal and external indicators of future pressures or upheavals. The general model of decline presented here provides a frame of reference for managers to develop strategies to avoid or mitigate decline-producing circumstances. The key points are illustrated by using examples from the progress of two major retailers, W.T. Grant and Sears Roebuck.