08. Management

8.1 List top management.
8.2 Summarize any recent management changes.
8.3 Provide management biographies.
8.4 Compile management compensation.
8.5 What other corporations are top managers associated with?
8.6 List any other news items about management (social clubs, political activity).
8.7 List management consultant/union buster

In try­ing to under­stand how power flows in a firm, it is fun­da­men­tal to learn as much as you can about man­age­ment. Is top man­age­ment new or are they the founders of the firm? What has hap­pened to their com­pen­sa­tion over the past sev­eral years? Does it mir­ror the eco­nomic per­for­mance of the firm? It is also impor­tant to dis­cover if and how they are connected to other firms. In build­ing a strate­gic cam­paign these con­nec­tions and cor­po­rate inter­locks may be very impor­tant in exert­ing pres­sure on the firm. Per­sonal con­nec­tions may be impor­tant as well.  They may be a big sup­porter of their alma mater or the local opera, and these con­nec­tions can also be impor­tant in bring­ing pres­sure to bear.

The company web site typically includes biographical information on management.

Use a general news search and social media to find out more about management’s current activities. Forbes provides information on top corporate players.

When doing news searches, make sure to go to local newspapers and media outlets in the city in which the firm is located. Some of this information may not show up on a general search.

Firms and top management are increasingly using a variety of social media and it is becoming an important research tool. LinkedIn is a popular business social-networking site. You need to be a member to search (membership is free) and you can search by companies as well as individuals. Facebook can also be a great source of information.

The Dunn and Bradstreet Report on your firm may contain additional information. You will need to purchase it from D&B.

You can use the Union Busters Alerts database to find out if a company has hired a management consultant/union buster.

Paid Resources (Requires Subscription)

There is a good amount of information on management available at NewsBank.

ABI/ Inform Global is a comprehensive source for business news.

Business Source Complete provides general information on privately held firms and, depending on size, also provides a Medtrack or Market Line report.