W.L. Gore Case Analysis

Faith Rice

September 13, 2014

GSB 624 Fall

W.L. Gore & Associates: Developing Global Teams to meet 21st Century Challenges

Case Analaysis

The overview and summary

W.L. Gore and associates is a global enterprise that makes fabrics, medical products, and nest generation electronic products. Despite their size and growth, their cultural dynamic is that of egalitarian and their goal as a company is high tech innovation.

The Facts

They have only had 4 presidents since they launched in 1958 and their current president is Terri Kelly who is also a 25 year associate. In 2008 Gores products were sold on 6 continents and used on 7. They are a private company, voted one of the best companies to work for with a 2.5 Billion revenue in 2009 and approximately 9.000 employees. They have an employee turnover rate of 5%.

Their Structure

As far as their structure, the enterprise is divided into four divisions: electronics, fabrics, industrial, medical. Within these divisions they are organized by what they call the “3 legged stool.” The three legs are technology, manufacturing and sales and theses legs are bonded by product specialists and other support staff for each division such a human resources. Leadership at the Gore wasn’t hierarchal and is given to anyone who has the expertise or the guidance needed at the moment and has earned credibility with their colleagues. There were ten types of leaders in various areas of the company mostly based on expertise, ability to motivate, and coordinate. Gore has a Lattice structure that allows for direct communication, no fixed authority, sponsors instead of bosses, objectives set by associates who must make them happen, natural leadership, and tasks organized through commitments.

Their Culture

They have an egalitarian culture based on relationships, oral and/or face to face communication. Everyone is addressed by their first names even the president. There are no ranks. There are flexible relationships and a sense that...