The power of the individual (organizational culture)

Citation

(2006), "The power of the individual (organizational culture)", Human Resource Management International Digest, Vol. 14 No. 5. https://doi.org/10.1108/hrmid.2006.04414ead.011

The power of the individual (organizational culture)

The power of the individual (organizational culture)

Kiger P.J.Workforce Management (USA), 27 February 2006, Vol. 85 No. 4, Start page: 1 (7 pages)

Purpose – Describes how the US manufacturing company, W.L. Gore, has maintained its egalitarian culture and discusses the human resource management practices that underpin this. Design/methodology/approach – Quotes Jackie Brinton, the company’s human resource associate, about the human resource practices that operate within the firm. Focuses on the advantages offered by the company’s flat lattice structure, explaining how this encourages open communication within the organization, despite the company growing into a large multinational firm. Describes how the company is structured and how management control is maintained while allowing employees freedom to develop their own ideas and their role within the company. Also quotes from US academics on Gore’s approach to employee management. Findings – Argues that the approach that Gore has taken to human resource management is very different from the conventional approach used in other organizations. Points out that it works well at W.L. Gore and has been a source of innovation and strength but questions if it would work for other organizations. Originality/value – Profiles the flat organizational structure and employee autonomy at W.L. Gore.Style: Viewpoint35AG820

Keywords: Autonomy, Flat organizations, Human resource management, Organizational structures, United States of America