W.L. Gore: Dry Goods

W.L. Gore: Dry Goods

Verfasst von
John Moore
John Moore
May 23, 2005
1 minute read
eWeek Inhalte und Produktempfehlungen sind redaktionell unabhängig. Wir können Geld verdienen, wenn Sie auf Links zu unseren Partnern klicken. Mehr erfahren

What can a textile manufacturer that still wants to make fabric in America claim as its competitive advantage?

If youre W.L. Gore & Associates of Newark, Del., its democracy.

Gores technology to make plastic-based fabrics and its iconic Gore-Tex brand of outdoor clothing, with its Guaranteed to Keep You Dry pledge, may be the companys hallmark.

But its organizational style also stands out. Founder Bill Gore banished the typical corporate chain of command in favor of what the company terms a “flat lattice” organization.

New employees—”associates” in Gore-speak—are assigned to general work areas. Associates learn the business and gravitate toward projects under the tutelage of seasoned “sponsors.”

Projects are highly collaborative. A person with an idea recruits like-minded associates, who may represent several different disciplines. Team members are accountable to each other. Bosses, in the usual sense, dont exist.

Thats why Thomas Malone, professor of management at MITs Sloan School, describes Gore as a miniature democracy.

/zimages/2/28571.gifRead the full story on Baselinemag.com: W.L. Gore: Dry Goods

eWeek Logo

eWeek has the latest technology news and analysis, buying guides, and product reviews for IT professionals and technology buyers. The site's focus is on innovative solutions and covering in-depth technical content. eWeek stays on the cutting edge of technology news and IT trends through interviews and expert analysis. Gain insight from top innovators and thought leaders in the fields of IT, business, enterprise software, startups, and more.

Eigentum von TechnologyAdvice. © 2026 TechnologyAdvice. Alle Rechte vorbehalten

Werbetreibenden-Offenlegung: Einige der auf dieser Website erscheinenden Produkte stammen von Unternehmen, von denen TechnologyAdvice eine Vergütung erhält. Diese Vergütung kann beeinflussen, wie und wo Produkte auf dieser Website erscheinen, einschließlich beispielsweise der Reihenfolge, in der sie erscheinen. TechnologyAdvice schließt nicht alle Unternehmen oder alle auf dem Marktplatz verfügbaren Produkttypen ein.