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Decision-making authority in British supermarket chains

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  • Andrew Alexander

Abstract

This article analyses the authority of store managers for the stocking and merchandising of British supermarkets in the period between the mid-1960s and the mid-1980s. Using oral history and business archive data, the article assesses the case of two broadly similar retail chains. It identifies variations between the firms in relation to the extent of centralised versus decentralised control at the start of the study period. It then shows how the firms came to operate an essentially similar approach by its conclusion. Explanations for the changes identified are drawn from an assessment of the retail environment, and differences between the firms in terms of corporate culture.

Suggested Citation

  • Andrew Alexander, 2015. "Decision-making authority in British supermarket chains," Business History, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 57(4), pages 614-637, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:taf:bushst:v:57:y:2015:i:4:p:614-637
    DOI: 10.1080/00076791.2015.1007864
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Naomi R. Lamoreaux & Daniel M. G. Raff & Peter Temin, 1999. "Learning by Doing in Markets, Firms, and Countries," NBER Books, National Bureau of Economic Research, Inc, number lamo99-1, March.
    2. Naomi R. Lamoreaux & Daniel Raff & Peter Temin, 1999. "Introduction to "Learning by Doing in Markets, Firms, and Countries"," NBER Chapters, in: Learning by Doing in Markets, Firms, and Countries, pages 1-18, National Bureau of Economic Research, Inc.
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    Cited by:

    1. Fu-Sheng Tsai & Chin-Chiung Kuo & Julia L. Lin, 2020. "Knowledge Heterogenization of the Franchising Literature Applying Transaction Cost Economics," Economies, MDPI, vol. 8(4), pages 1-27, November.

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