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Questions and Answers
What is W.L. Gore & Associates primarily known for?
What is W.L. Gore & Associates primarily known for?
Which company operates in a similar manner to W.L. Gore & Associates?
Which company operates in a similar manner to W.L. Gore & Associates?
How does W.L. Gore & Associates primarily manage its operations?
How does W.L. Gore & Associates primarily manage its operations?
What is the approximate number of employees at W.L. Gore & Associates?
What is the approximate number of employees at W.L. Gore & Associates?
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Which of the following countries does not have W.L. Gore's manufacturing operations?
Which of the following countries does not have W.L. Gore's manufacturing operations?
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What was a notable aspect of W.L. Gore's annual revenue?
What was a notable aspect of W.L. Gore's annual revenue?
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Why is very little known about W.L. Gore's operations and strategies?
Why is very little known about W.L. Gore's operations and strategies?
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In terms of profitability, where does W.L. Gore rank among privately held companies?
In terms of profitability, where does W.L. Gore rank among privately held companies?
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What year was W.L. Gore & Associates founded?
What year was W.L. Gore & Associates founded?
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Which of the following is NOT one of the main product groupings of W.L. Gore & Associates?
Which of the following is NOT one of the main product groupings of W.L. Gore & Associates?
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How many US patents does Gore hold approximately?
How many US patents does Gore hold approximately?
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What technology was first developed by Bill Gore during his time at Dupont?
What technology was first developed by Bill Gore during his time at Dupont?
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In what year did Gore's patent for the breathable fabric expire?
In what year did Gore's patent for the breathable fabric expire?
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Which of the following locations is NOT mentioned as a place where Gore has opened divisions?
Which of the following locations is NOT mentioned as a place where Gore has opened divisions?
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What was the primary reason Bill Gore left Dupont to start his own business?
What was the primary reason Bill Gore left Dupont to start his own business?
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What major event did W.L. Gore cables participate in during the 1960s?
What major event did W.L. Gore cables participate in during the 1960s?
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What is one of the four basic guiding principles of W.L Gore & Associates?
What is one of the four basic guiding principles of W.L Gore & Associates?
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What type of corporate structure does W.L Gore & Associates employ?
What type of corporate structure does W.L Gore & Associates employ?
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How does W.L Gore & Associates determine decision-making authority?
How does W.L Gore & Associates determine decision-making authority?
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What does W.L Gore & Associates prioritize to protect the company from inappropriate risks?
What does W.L Gore & Associates prioritize to protect the company from inappropriate risks?
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What impact does W.L Gore & Associates' corporate culture have on business success?
What impact does W.L Gore & Associates' corporate culture have on business success?
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Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of W.L Gore & Associates?
Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of W.L Gore & Associates?
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What describes the company's attitude towards innovation?
What describes the company's attitude towards innovation?
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What is the main role of associates in decision-making at W.L Gore & Associates?
What is the main role of associates in decision-making at W.L Gore & Associates?
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What is the primary role of a starting sponsor at W.L Gore?
What is the primary role of a starting sponsor at W.L Gore?
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How long must an associate work at W.L Gore before they are fully vested?
How long must an associate work at W.L Gore before they are fully vested?
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Which of the following best describes the ownership structure of W.L Gore's stock?
Which of the following best describes the ownership structure of W.L Gore's stock?
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What determines the compensation of associates at W.L Gore?
What determines the compensation of associates at W.L Gore?
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What is the purpose of the flex dollars provided to associates?
What is the purpose of the flex dollars provided to associates?
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How often do profit-sharing distributions typically occur at W.L Gore?
How often do profit-sharing distributions typically occur at W.L Gore?
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What type of benefits are considered core benefits at W.L Gore?
What type of benefits are considered core benefits at W.L Gore?
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What aspect of W.L Gore's program is aimed at maximizing freedom and fairness for associates?
What aspect of W.L Gore's program is aimed at maximizing freedom and fairness for associates?
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What is a primary advantage of Gore-Tex fabric mentioned?
What is a primary advantage of Gore-Tex fabric mentioned?
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How does Gore's organizational structure differ from traditional structures?
How does Gore's organizational structure differ from traditional structures?
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What role do sponsors play in the organization described?
What role do sponsors play in the organization described?
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What is emphasized as a critical factor for personal contributions in the organization?
What is emphasized as a critical factor for personal contributions in the organization?
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What unique management style did Bill Gore establish in his company?
What unique management style did Bill Gore establish in his company?
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Why is wet heat loss considered a significant issue?
Why is wet heat loss considered a significant issue?
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What approach does the organization take towards innovation?
What approach does the organization take towards innovation?
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How does the organization ensure accountability among its members?
How does the organization ensure accountability among its members?
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What is the primary purpose of the Associate Stock Ownership Plan (ASOP) at W.L Gore?
What is the primary purpose of the Associate Stock Ownership Plan (ASOP) at W.L Gore?
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How does W.L Gore maintain effective communication within its divisions?
How does W.L Gore maintain effective communication within its divisions?
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What aspect of the lattice system contributes to the associates' ability to succeed?
What aspect of the lattice system contributes to the associates' ability to succeed?
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What is a key element of 'right-sizing' for W.L Gore?
What is a key element of 'right-sizing' for W.L Gore?
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How much of the associates' pay does W.L Gore contribute annually to purchase company stock for participating associates?
How much of the associates' pay does W.L Gore contribute annually to purchase company stock for participating associates?
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What is one unique aspect of the organisational culture at W.L Gore?
What is one unique aspect of the organisational culture at W.L Gore?
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What do associates gain through their participation in the Associate Stock Ownership Plan?
What do associates gain through their participation in the Associate Stock Ownership Plan?
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What does the W.L Gore culture emphasize in terms of innovation?
What does the W.L Gore culture emphasize in terms of innovation?
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Flashcards
W.L. Gore & Associates
W.L. Gore & Associates
A privately held company known for its innovative products like Gore-Tex fabric.
Gore-Tex
Gore-Tex
A type of fabric developed by W.L. Gore & Associates, known for its waterproof and breathable properties.
Un-Management Style
Un-Management Style
W.L. Gore & Associates' management style emphasizes employee ownership and minimal hierarchy, focusing on action and creativity.
Employee Ownership
Employee Ownership
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Forbes Top 500 Privately Held Companies
Forbes Top 500 Privately Held Companies
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Privately Held Corporation
Privately Held Corporation
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Annual Revenue
Annual Revenue
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Manufacturing Locations
Manufacturing Locations
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PTFE
PTFE
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Gore-Tex fabric
Gore-Tex fabric
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Associates
Associates
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Patent
Patent
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Venture Partnership
Venture Partnership
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Division
Division
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Lunar Missions
Lunar Missions
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Wet Heat Loss
Wet Heat Loss
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Gore's Guiding Principles
Gore's Guiding Principles
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Fairness at Gore
Fairness at Gore
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Growth at Gore
Growth at Gore
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Flat Lattice Organization
Flat Lattice Organization
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Opportunity-Driven Teams
Opportunity-Driven Teams
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Commitment at Gore
Commitment at Gore
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Consultation at Gore
Consultation at Gore
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Sponsors vs. Bosses
Sponsors vs. Bosses
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W.L. Gore's Non-Hierarchical Structure
W.L. Gore's Non-Hierarchical Structure
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Multi-Disciplinary Teams
Multi-Disciplinary Teams
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Followership defines Leadership
Followership defines Leadership
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Decision Making at Gore
Decision Making at Gore
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Right Environment, Unlimited Potential
Right Environment, Unlimited Potential
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Gore's Last Principle
Gore's Last Principle
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Project Initiation
Project Initiation
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Associate Sponsors
Associate Sponsors
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Stock Valuation
Stock Valuation
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Profit Sharing
Profit Sharing
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Flexible Benefits
Flexible Benefits
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Compensation Committees
Compensation Committees
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Core Benefits
Core Benefits
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Lattice System
Lattice System
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Associate Stock Ownership Plan (ASOP)
Associate Stock Ownership Plan (ASOP)
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Right-sizing
Right-sizing
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Unique Organizational Model
Unique Organizational Model
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Intimacy & Ease of Communications
Intimacy & Ease of Communications
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Preserve the Culture (W.L. Gore Context)
Preserve the Culture (W.L. Gore Context)
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Why is W.L. Gore's unique organizational model effective?
Why is W.L. Gore's unique organizational model effective?
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What is a key element of W.L. Gore's culture?
What is a key element of W.L. Gore's culture?
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Study Notes
Gore-Tex and W.L. Gore & Associates
- W.L. Gore & Associates is a privately held company, best known for Gore-Tex.
- It ranks within the top 200 of the Forbes top 500 privately held companies.
- The company is owned primarily by its employees (associates) and the Gore family.
- It has over 7,000 associates in more than 45 locations worldwide.
- The company is known for its innovative and contemporary organizational structure.
- It minimizes management and emphasizes action and creativity.
- The company prioritizes employee ownership and participation in decision-making.
Company Structure and Culture
- W.L. Gore's organizational structure is unique, described as a "flat lattice," with no bosses, no rigid hierarchy, no traditional career ladder.
- Employees are called "associates."
- Associates are hired for general work areas and commit to projects that match their skills.
- Sponsors guide associates, who share a sense of ownership in company objectives.
- Decision-making is based on knowledge and not seniority; teams organize around opportunities.
- Communication is direct and accountability is to fellow team members.
Product and Technology Development
- W.L. Gore uses PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene) technology in various products.
- Products include medical implants, fabrics, electronic signal transmission, and industrial products.
- The company has developed new standards for work-wear and active-wear, including Gore-Tex fabric.
- Gore-Tex fabric is waterproof and breathable.
- This material is used in clothing for outdoor activities and is made from Expanded PTFE (ePTFE).
Financial Aspects
- The Associate Stock Ownership Plan (ASOP) is a key financial benefit for employees.
- It allows employees to participate in the company's ownership.
- Employees receive pre-tax benefits, which include medical, dental, and disability insurance.
- Gore contributes up to 15% of pay to an account that purchases W.L. Gore stock for each participating associate.
Innovation and Success
- Gore is recognized for its innovative spirit and creative organizational structure.
- Extensive research and development efforts have led to many different technologies.
- The company excels in the design of new materials.
- Multiple awards recognize innovative work and quality of work environment.
- The company has been recognized on several lists of the "100 Best Companies to Work For".
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Description
Test your knowledge about W.L. Gore & Associates, a company renowned for its innovative approach and unique operational strategies. The quiz covers aspects such as its employee count, revenue, and competitive landscape. See how well you understand this privately held company's distinctiveness and influence in the market.