Business: Bendix Abuzz

Agee shakes up his company

William M. Agee, 42, of Bendix Corp., is an unorthodox manager. After becoming chairman of the automotive and aerospace manufacturer in 1977, he set up a telephone line so that employees could call him directly about complaints. He then abolished the main conference table in the company's headquarters, arguing that this would enhance conversations among the firm's officials. Directors at board meetings now sit around the room in comfortable office chairs. He decreed that the best parking space in the company lot be reserved not for himself but...