Is Market Basket a vibrant and viable business? Is the business model developed by Arthur T. solid? If the answers are yes, why is present management wanting change? We do know their consistent intent has been to increase profits to shareholders. Employees know exactly how that would be accomplished. Cutting overhead means cutting benefits, short and simple.

What promises did Arthur S. make to his supporters? Board members generally do not want any part of a losing operation. What benefit or bonus are they expecting if Arthur S. has his way? Is he even interested in this business? My guess would be not really, as the board is considering bids to purchase the Market Basket chain.

The board may see selling now as the only way to reap their immediate profits. The resistance by employees and consumers was not expected, and they are scrambling to get what they can. They share the same goals as Arthur S., unless he has stated differently. If he does feel a love for the company, he’s done a bad job of expressing it. Good leadership knows that Arthur T’s success is worth keeping, despite any disagreements. The board is not interested in that.

Warren Isleib

Nashua

Newsletter