Studebaker

A chronicle of the life and death of an American automobile company where management's concept of "tradition" played a fundamental role in modeling corporate culture, rhetoric, and strategy. This book explores managerial choice, corporate tradition, and the importance of ideas in shaping institutions in 20th-century America.

---

While the Big Three automobile companies came to dominate the industry, its early U.S. history was characterized by an array of competing companies. "Studebaker's" story is the chronicle of the life and death of an American automobile company where management's concept of "tradition" played a fundamental role in modeling corporate culture, rhetoric, and strategy. "Studebaker" may have failed in the long run, but its corporate life spanned more than a century, during which the company made a commitment to the community of South Bend, accepted unions when other automobile manufacturers bitterly fought collective bargaining, and produced distinguished cars that still enjoy a loyal following. "Studebaker" explores managerial choice, corporate tradition, and the importance of ideas - not simply "market forces" - in shaping institutions in 20th-century America.