Learn More: W.L. Gore & Associates is an Organic Organization
Safe to say, there's probably no other company quite like
W. L. Gore & Associates. Based on its unique culture and structure, this firm, the maker of waterproof Gore-Tex fabrics, has made Fortune's "100 Best to Work for" list every year since the list began. View Gore's Web site. Select the main menu heading "About Gore," choose "Profile," and then choose "Corporate Culture." After reading that page, select the "lattice organization" page mentioned at the bottom of the screen. Also, view the main menu heading "Careers," especially the "Working at Gore" and "Benefits" pages. On the "Benefits" page, see the section titled "Compensation System." Use this information to understand the organizational structure at Gore.
- Using Table 10.2 from the text as a guide, describe the organic organization features that are evident at Gore.
- What types of people would and would not be comfortable working at Gore? Would you like to work at Gore?
- What benefits should Gore receive from its organic structure? What are the main risks of being too organic?
Check It Out
The trend toward virtual organizations has affected even the world of academia. Today, it is possible for an undergraduate student to receive a Bachelor's degree, from an accredited school, without ever leaving his or her living room. For example, access the Web pages of
City University, located in Seattle, Washington, and Penn State's World Campus, and find information about the schools and the degrees they offer.
- What types of students would be well-served by a virtual university? Who would not be well-served?
