Integrating Culture and Diversity

Integrating Culture and Diversity in Decision Making:

The CEO and Organizational Culture Profile

Trinna Filbert

Dr. Elizabeth Delone

BUS 520

May 8, 2014

W. L. Gore and Associates is a company founded in 1958 by Bill and Vieve Gore. It is an inventive technology enterprise who works to discover innovative products. Numerous products from GORE-TEX fabric, cable wiring, electronics, medical devices, pharmaceutical, tubing, and sealants. The organization is referred to as a team-based and flat lattice organization. There is no chain of command; employees are referred to as associates. Associates and Professional staff are free to speak to one another in their multi-disciplined team. It provided electrical products until the discovery of polymer fabric that is now used as a basis for all the products in the medical and industrial markets.

There are four practices the Gore utilizes to hire such associates. The associates networks various self organized groups such as Native American, Asia, Latino-Hispanic, LGBT, physically challenged, veterans, African-American, female associates and white male.

Next is their recruiting strategy. The company targets certain universities, career fields and organizations. They choose the brightest and the best. The internet in addition to diverse publications and firms are also tools for finding quality.

Third is diverse awareness. All associates are given the opportunity for growth and advancement in the company. They are encouraged to challenge themselves and be rewarded for their growth. They will have sponsors to assist with the development of diversity related programs. If they choose they may change their sponsors.

And finally, associates are valuable assets and they strive to provide flexibility and balance between life and work. Training is provided internally and externally. Flexible hours are offered. Benefits are extended to domestic partners. Childcare and adoptive assistance recourses

are also...