New York University Tandon School of Engineering
Cover of Time magazine (December 27, 1926)
New York University Tandon School of Engineering
(Detailing the birth of General Motors from a time frame w...)
Detailing the birth of General Motors from a time frame when cars were being invented by a myriad of independent inventors and manufacturers. The storyline recaps Alfred P. Sloan Jr's start in the working world of the late 1800's and tracks the changes in the auto industry through to the consolidated conglomeration of General Motors in the 1940's.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0836954858/?tag=2022091-20
1941
(Presents a speech delivered by Alfred P. Sloan Jr. to the...)
Presents a speech delivered by Alfred P. Sloan Jr. to the executives of General Motors in 1934. Sloan was the president of General Motors at the time and his speech focused on the challenges that the company was facing during the Great Depression.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1258976781/?tag=2022091-20
1943
(This 1964 memoir is the personal account of Alfred P. Slo...)
This 1964 memoir is the personal account of Alfred P. Sloan Jr., who led General Motors at a time when it was the world's largest manufacturer.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0006BLU5M/?tag=2022091-20
1964
(My Years with General Motors became an instant bestseller...)
My Years with General Motors became an instant bestseller when it was first published in 1963. It has since been used as a manual for managers, offering personal glimpses into the practice of the "discipline of management" by the man who perfected it. This is the story no other businessman could tell—a distillation of half a century of intimate leadership experience with a giant industry and an inside look at dramatic events and creative business management.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0385042353/?tag=2022091-20
1990
Industrialist philanthropist business executive
Born to Alfred Pritchard Sloan Sr., a machinist and partner in a coffee and tea import business, and Katherine Mead Sloan, Alfred Jr. was the eldest of five children. The family moved to Brooklyn in 1885, where they were actively involved in the Methodist Church, influenced by his maternal grandfather, a Methodist minister.
Alfred P. Sloan Jr. exhibited exceptional academic prowess from a young age. After completing his preparatory studies at Brooklyn Polytechnic Institute, he sought admission to the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). Initially deemed too young, he was eventually admitted and graduated in 1895 with a degree in electrical engineering, becoming the youngest member of his class. His time at MIT, particularly his involvement with the Delta Upsilon fraternity, likely fostered a network of peers and mentors who influenced his early professional trajectory.
After graduating from MIT, Sloan began his career as a draftsman at the Hyatt Roller Bearing Company of Harrison, New Jersey, a firm in which his father had an interest. As president of Hyatt from the age of 26, he built up the business as a supplier of roller bearings to to major automobile manufacturers, including Oldsmobile and Ford. In 1916, Hyatt merged with other companies to form United Motors Company, which later became part of General Motors.
Sloan was named a vice president of GM in 1920, and when Pierre S. Du Pont and John J. Raskob wrested control of GM from William C. Durant in 1920, Sloan became the company’s operating vice president. He became president and chief executive officer of GM in 1923.
Sloan was an administrative genius, and he transformed GM from a loose cluster of business units into an archetype of the modern business enterprise, giving it an organizational structure that was emulated by many other corporations through much of the 20th century. He reorganized the company into five different automobile divisions, with each producing cars in a different price range. He decentralized production, giving each operating division the freedom of initiative to compete for more business, while he centralized administration, creating a strong central office that had large financial and advisory staffs in order to devise and coordinate overall company policies. Under Sloan, GM surpassed the Ford Motor Company in American automobile sales in the late 1920s and eventually became the largest business corporation in the world. GM came to dominate the market, accounting for more than half of American auto sales.
Sloan relinquished the presidency and became chairman of the board of GM in 1937 after he refused to negotiate with the United Automobile Workers when they staged sit-down strikes in GM plants. He ceased to be chief executive officer in 1946, and he retired from the chairmanship in 1956, though remaining as honorary chairman. He outlined his management policy in My Years with General Motors (1964) and also wrote (with Boyden Sparkes) Adventures of a White-Collar Man (1941).
In the late 1930s, Sloan endowed the foundation named for him. He supported various philanthropies, including the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center in New York City, a centre for advanced engineering study at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and a school of management there.
Alfred P. Sloan Jr.'s tenure at General Motors (GM) marked a transformative era in the automotive industry, characterized by innovative strategies that reshaped consumer behavior and corporate management. One of his most notable contributions was the introduction of annual model changes, a concept that led to what is now referred to as "planned obsolescence." This strategy involved releasing new car models each year with updated designs and features, encouraging consumers to purchase the latest versions regularly. While this approach significantly boosted sales and kept GM at the forefront of the market, it also sparked debates about consumerism and environmental impact.
Sloan also implemented a hierarchical brand structure within GM, known as the "ladder of success." This framework positioned Chevrolet, Pontiac, Oldsmobile, Buick, and Cadillac as distinct brands targeting different market segments. The strategy allowed customers to remain within the GM family as their purchasing power and preferences evolved, fostering brand loyalty and catering to a broad spectrum of consumers.
In addition to product innovation, Sloan recognized the importance of financial accessibility in expanding GM's customer base. In 1919, he played a pivotal role in establishing the General Motors Acceptance Corporation (GMAC), which introduced auto loans, enabling consumers to finance their vehicle purchases. This initiative not only made automobiles more attainable for the average American but also set a precedent for financing in the industry.
Beyond his corporate endeavors, Sloan's philanthropic efforts have left a lasting legacy. In 1934, he founded the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation, aimed at supporting research and education in science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and economics. The foundation has funded numerous initiatives, including the Sloan Digital Sky Survey and the establishment of the MIT Sloan School of Management, reflecting Sloan's commitment to advancing knowledge and education.
(Detailing the birth of General Motors from a time frame w...)
1941(My Years with General Motors became an instant bestseller...)
1990(This 1964 memoir is the personal account of Alfred P. Slo...)
1964(Presents a speech delivered by Alfred P. Sloan Jr. to the...)
1943Raised in a devout Methodist family, Sloan's religious upbringing instilled in him values of discipline, hard work, and community service. While he did not frequently discuss his faith publicly, these principles were evident in his approach to business and philanthropy. Sloan's commitment to education and scientific research through his foundation reflects a belief in the betterment of society, aligning with the Methodist emphasis on social responsibility. His actions suggest that he viewed his success as a means to contribute positively to the broader community, embodying the Methodist ethos of using one's talents and resources for the common good.
Alfred P. Sloan Jr. maintained a pragmatic approach to business, focusing on efficiency, innovation, and consumer satisfaction. While he did not publicly align himself with any political party, his policies at GM reflected a belief in free-market principles and the importance of adapting to consumer needs. Sloan's emphasis on decentralized management and statistical control systems indicated a preference for structured, data-driven decision-making processes. His strategies often prioritized corporate growth and market dominance, occasionally leading to debates about ethical considerations, such as the implications of planned obsolescence. Overall, Sloan's political views appeared to center around fostering industrial innovation and maintaining a competitive edge in the marketplace.
Alfred P. Sloan Jr. was a visionary who believed in the power of innovation and strategic planning to drive progress. He viewed the business world as an ever-evolving landscape, where adaptability and foresight were crucial for success. Sloan's implementation of annual model changes and brand diversification at GM demonstrated his understanding of consumer psychology and market dynamics. He recognized that catering to a diverse customer base required a multifaceted approach, leading to the creation of a range of automobile brands under the GM umbrella. Sloan also valued empirical data and statistical analysis, integrating these elements into GM's management practices to enhance efficiency and decision-making. His establishment of the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation further indicates a commitment to the advancement of knowledge and societal development. Overall, Sloan's worldview was characterized by a blend of pragmatism, innovation, and a dedication to contributing to the greater good through both business and philanthropy.
Quotations:
"I never give orders. I sell my ideas to my associates if I can. I accept their judgment if they convince me, as they frequently do, that I am wrong. I prefer to appeal to the intelligence of a man rather than attempt to exercise authority over him."
"There has to be this pioneer, the individual who has the courage, the ambition to overcome the obstacles that always develop when one tries to do something worthwhile, especially when it is new and different."
"The business of business is to make a profit, and the time to make a profit is when you can."
"Management is not responsible for the future; it must take care of the present."
Throughout his career, Sloan was associated with various professional and philanthropic organizations. His memberships reflected his interests in industry, education, and community development.
Sloan's election to the American Academy of Arts and Sciences in 1948 recognized his contributions to industry and management.
American Academy of Arts and Sciences , United States
His role in the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation underscored his commitment to philanthropy and the advancement.
Alfred P. Sloan Foundation , United States
Alfred P. Sloan Jr. was known for his analytical mind and methodical approach to business challenges. He valued precision, efficiency, and structure, which were evident in his management style at General Motors. Sloan believed in empowering divisional leaders, fostering a culture of accountability and innovation. Despite his significant public role, he maintained a private demeanor, often shying away from the limelight. His colleagues respected him for his unwavering commitment to the company's vision and his ability to make tough decisions with a calm and composed demeanor.
Physical Characteristics: He was often described as having a slender build. Photographs from his tenure at General Motors depict a man with a distinguished appearance, characterized by neatly combed hair and a preference for formal attire, typically donning suits that reflected his professional stature. His demeanor exuded an air of authority and confidence, befitting his leadership position.
Quotes from others about the person
"Sloan's ability to foresee market trends and adapt accordingly was unparalleled in the automotive industry."
"Under Sloan's leadership, General Motors didn't just grow; it revolutionized the way we think about corporate management."
"His emphasis on decentralized management set a benchmark that many corporations strive to emulate even today."
Alfred P. Sloan Jr. was married to Irene Jackson of Roxbury, Massachusetts, in 1898. The couple did not have any children. Despite the absence of direct descendants, Sloan's legacy is carried forward through his extensive philanthropic contributions and the institutions that bear his name. His commitment to both his professional endeavors and charitable activities was a testament to his dedication to societal advancement.
