Wl Gore Corporate Culture

1.) What are the key elements in the corporate culture at W.L. Gore that may prevent employees from taking advantage of there being no set work hours?

Key elements in the corporate culture that may prevent employees from taking advantage of there being no set work hours are the organization culture that is already in existence, their four basic principles, the fluidity of the teams make up, interchangeable leader and associate position depending on the different types of projects, sponsorship and mentorship for all associates, and the flexibility to come and go as one pleases or even to work from home. In the case study, several things that stood out in regards to not having set working hours were where Ann Gilles mentioned that the standard

This company’s style is nothing remotely close to a corporate culture or a formal leading style, if anything I would have to say that it has quite an informal management style and management responsibilities. From what was written in the case study, the atmosphere was describe to sound as if it had an easy going, relaxed or casual vibe. It is very unconventional to say the least, just alone with having no titles or set leaders in place. Leaders are based off of expertise and skill that may be present and needed on a project to project basis (Maxwell, 2008). Teams within this company were controlled by themselves, as they were all self-managing with each associate playing their part (Maxwell, 2008). Associates were free to go about their responsibilities without any supervision in place, which is where one of the company’s four principles freedom comes into play (Maxwell,

Gore’s distinctive approach to work-life balance in different countries would most likely be cultural differences and preferences, as well as gender roles and discriminations. Cultural differences and preferences would come into play with specific holidays and religious days that may be celebrated and respected in other countries like India, China, Israel or Iraq, or breaks in the days like siestas in some Hispanic countries. Also some countries may have longer working days than the norm and for this company trying to implement their ways which includes no set hours may be a problematic adjustment for them. Then in regards to gender roles and discriminations, in countries like India and Iraq there are many times where women are not able to work. If they are, it will pose a problem to be considered on the same level as a man, like at W. L. Gore where all employees are associates having no titles (Maxwell, 2008). Most of these problems are only seen as problems as these are norms and customs for people, which they have been used to and with any type of change it is generally not accepted well at first. Anything new and out of the ordinary will take time in being accustomed to, but positive change will eventually outshine any negativity once given a