Introduction
W. L. Gore is a company that believes in change. Over the years, the company has grown to be one of the largest companies in the United States of America. The company has for the past 12 years been named among the top 100 best companies to work for in the United States of America. The company produces Gore-Tex fabric, fuel cells, guitar strings, space suits, and dental floss. The company produces the raw materials which are used by other companies to manufacture their products (Brown 2011).
How does Gore empower teams by empowering individual associates?
The company allows its employees to decide on the projects they would like to undertake. This gives them the opportunity to work on projects that they are comfortable with. This increases the productivity of its employees. Every new employee (associate) is given a manager (sponsor). The manager (sponsor) makes sure that the new employee (associate) is able to discharge his or her duties effectively (Brown 2011). Once a year, the employees of the organization choose the employee who they think has the biggest impact on the organization. The employees with the highest number of votes are recognized and given financial rewards. The company has also ensured that every employee gets a share of the company’s profit. This has helped in motivating employees to work harder (Sanchez & Heene 2010).
What is the lattice system of the organization?
In the lattice system of organization, there are few job titles and no chain of command. This system allows employees to work on the tasks that they are comfortable with. This improves productivity and efficiency. This system of organization gives room for personal growth. It also gives employees a chance to be creative. The lattice system of an organization nurtures employees to be leaders since they are able to make their own decisions (Sanchez & Heene 2010).
Do additional research on Theory X and Theory Y
Theory X
This theory was coined by Douglas McGregor. Douglas proposed that the average person had an inborn dislike for work and would do anything to avoid work. Douglas believed that employees had to be coaxed to work by being punished. This theory breeds dictatorial leaders (Keller & Price 2011).
Theory Y
This theory was coined by Douglas McGregor. According to this theory, people have an inborn desire to work. This theory breeds the democratic managers who give their employees the autonomy to perform their duties (Keller & Price 2011).
Do you think that other companies could use these managerial strategies and structures? Or is it something unique to Gore?
The organization system that W. L. Gore uses has proved its effectiveness. The company has grown to be one of the best companies in the United States of America. The company boasts of being ranked among the top 100 companies to work for in the United States of America for the last 12 consecutive years. I think that companies should embrace this system of organization. Employees will be able to work on the projects that they are comfortable with and, as a result, this will improve productivity and efficiency. The employees will not feel coaxed since this system of organization lacks a chain of command. Employees are the most important assets of any organization and they should be given the autonomy to work on the projects that they prefer without being coaxed.
References
Brown, D. (2011). An Experiental Approach to Organization Development. Person/Prentice, Hall: Saddle River, NJ.
Keller, S., & Price, C. (2011). Beyond performance how great organizations build ultimate competitive advantage. Hoboken, N.J: Wiley.
Sanchez, R., & Heene, A. (2010). Enhancing competences for competitive advantage. Bingley, UK: Emerald Group.