Igloo, a Texas-based manufacturer of ice chests for more than 70 years, has undertaken a number of initiatives to train and develop its employees to promote its company culture of commitment. Igloo’s operations in Texas employ 900 associates—the term Igloo uses for its employees. There are a number of key dimensions to Igloo’s culture, such as trusting others, avoiding politics (decision making based on personal advantage), and promoting effective communication.
As keeper of the culture at Igloo, HR is central to promoting, supporting, and sustaining the culture. So, part of HR’s job is to train associates on what Igloo’s culture is, why it is important, and how to embrace it. This includes not only training on the culture for new hires during the onboarding process but also explaining the culture during annual goal-setting sessions, sales meetings, and strategic planning programs.

Case Discussion Questions 1. Igloo has developed its culture around associates who primarily work in manufacturing. How effective would this approach to implementing culture be in other industries, for example, commercial construction?
A high-tech start-up?
2. What are some of the drawbacks to Igloo’s approach to managing its culture? Where might HR or top management face some challenges in the organization?
3. How would you decide what the appropriate culture is for an organization? How would you use the company’s training and development function to help introduce and reinforce a new culture?
4. How might training be used to introduce a culture focused on respect for diversity? On employee safety?
5. What specific types of training content and exercises might you include if you were rolling out a training program for Igloo that was focused on its culture of commitment?
6. How would you assess the effectiveness of Igloo’s efforts to introduce the culture of commitment? Consider

(a) how you would know if the culture was actually adopted and

(b) what metrics you might use to know whether the culture is actually supporting the success of the organization.