Personal Access Over Institutional Channels

"Kaiser's approach to government officials and to getting information from within his organization reflected that belief: instead of operating "through channels," Kaiser sought the person immediately involved in his subject of interest.34 The willingness of this chief executive officer (CEO) to approach relatively junior members of government agencies surprised many, but most were favorably impressed."

"Kaiser pursued entry into the metals industries and other defense work using a personal, idiosyncratic approach to government officials rather than an institutional and hierarchical one. At one point during the war, one of Kaiser's managers complained about "the Navy." Kaiser responded: "You know there is no such thing as the U.S. Navy! It's just Page 11 a bunch of guys down there in Washington. Now which one is your problem?''"

"If Kaiser wanted something, he would turn Washington upside down to get it, even if this meant personally carrying the requisite papers from office to office or "bombarding" the decision makers with telegrams."