Since its founding in 1958, Gore has avoided traditional hierarchy, opting instead for a team-based environment that fosters personal initiative, encourages innovation and promotes direct person-to-person communication among all associates. Decisions are based on knowledge and experience, rather than title or particular position. And all associates are encouraged to grow in knowledge, skill and responsibility, and to make their own commitments. This unique corporate structure has proven to be a significant contributor to associate satisfaction, as well as a driving force behind the company’s success.
“Our culture helps ensure that we’re maximizing the talent and creativity of our associates,” says Gore CEO Terri Kelly. “In more traditional management settings, people can feel confined by narrowly defined titles and roles. However, at Gore we encourage associates to actively define their own commitments by matching their skills and interests with business needs. This type of work environment creates a strong sense of ownership, promotes ingenuity and ultimately enables us to bring unique, high-value products to market.”
Gore is a leading manufacturer of thousands of products for the electronics, fabrics, industrial and medical markets. Perhaps best known for waterproof and breathable GORE-TEX® fabric, the company’s portfolio features a diverse array of innovations, including everything from guitar strings to life-saving cardiovascular devices and wires and cables used in space missions.