Assignment 4

4/13/2013

Assignment # 4

MGT 6682

Case pg 271-273

1. In reading this case it would appear that one of the Theories that could have been revealed would be the leader-member exchange (LMX) theory. The (LMX) theory looks at the strength for a relationship between leaders and followers. With Gores” sponsor philosophy they paired experienced employees with new employees from day one of the new employees hire. Which not only creates a professional bond, but a personal bond as well in most cases?

Another theory that would be prevalent to this case would be the Vertical Dyadic Linkage (VDL) Theory. The (VDL) theory looks at how the leaders and followers form relations and then take these relationships to in and out groups. Going back to Gores’ sponsor philosophy the sponsor program creates one-one relationships with the leader and follower, or rather in this case experienced and in-experienced. These relationships are not only formed at time of hiring, but relationships are also created as employees go across departments.

2. The sponsors program forced leaders, sponsors and associates to form relationships and to work together on a regular basis not just to complete a task but to help each other to learn and grow within the company. The longer you stay in the company, the more sponsors you acquire, however you don’t seem to let the others go either so your sponsorship grows.

3. The key component that drives Gores’ followership program is the face that they treat all their employees in the same in theory. One way Gore does this is by alleviating the use of titles. So in essence employees have no one to report to, but they do have their sponsor which creates that bond and with the experience workers and the new ones. This thought process allows employees to go straight to the source if they have questions regarding something and allows employees to have a since of ownership and worth within the company.

4. I would characterize Gores’...