Question.2649 - Case Study 1 Case Study 1 Whirlpool Mixes Up Its Managerial Training: Closed-Looped Method Brings Learning Full Circle Most Americans are familiar with Whirlpool. Whirlpool, which is based in Benton Harbor, Michigan, and has been in business for more than century, is perhaps best known for the washers and dryers it makes. But the company also makes refrigerators, freezers, and cooking appliances that it sells under various other brand names around the world (Amana, Maytag, KitchenAid, and Roper are some of them). During the last economic recession appliance sales plummeted, and Whirlpool was forced to lay off thousands of workers. Although budgets were being slashed, Whirlpool needed to develop managers who could lead the company through the downturn as well as provide training that would have a measurable impact at a lower cost. Previously Whirlpool University, the company’s 100-acre learning division located at its corporate headquarters, had used mainly classroom learning. The university now has a learning management system and conducts online training. A series of 30-minute modules are used to help familiarize and onboard new hires. In addition, Whirlpool now takes a “closed-loop” approach to training. Instead of just doing popular types of training other companies were doing, it surveys managers to find out what types of training Whirlpool truly needed and what types it didn’t and then designs training programs based on those specific needs. Because they are central to the training and development of their employees and in the best position to observe and coach rank-and-file employees, to train managers, Whirlpool utilizes a 12- month-long intermittent training program called Leading People. The program consists of blended learning, including prework modules managers do online, followed by classroom training, Book Title: eTextbook: Managing Human Resources Chapter 7. Training and Development Case Study 1 business projects, and seminars with top managers. A manager’s direct reports provide an initial baseline assessment of his or her skills, and then the manager is assessed again following the training. James Crawford, in Whirlpool’s Chicago division, said the training helped him become a better leader. “It helped me pinpoint weak spots in my leadership practices and then gave me a strategy for turning those weaknesses into strengths,” Crawford says. The managers are later surveyed as to how well the training is working and what can be done to improve it. In other words, there is a feedback system in place, hence the “closed-loop” moniker. That way, the design, delivery, and redesign of the training is a continuous circle and constantly being improved over time. The closed-loop feedback system has helped Whirlpool continue to assess and alter its training to adapt to new conditions. For example, today Whirlpool isn’t laying off employees; it’s trying to hire more of them as its older workers retire. To attract millennials, the company has partnered with high school and colleges to offer an onsite apprenticeship program called “Work, Earn, and Learn.” In 2017, Whirlpool’s CEO, Jeff Fettig, was one of a number of corporate executives who met with President Donald Trump to talk about saving American jobs and encourage the support of vocational training for the high-tech skills manufacturers today need. “The jobs are there, but the skills are not,” said one executive at the meeting. Questions 1. Why are a needs assessment and ongoing training important for firms like Whirlpool to conduct? 2. How do you think Whirlpool’s training strategy will need to change in the future?
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Q1. Why are a needs assessment and ongoing training important for firms like Whirlpool to conduct? Ans: A needs assessment and ongoing training are crucial for firms like Whirlpool to conduct for several reasons. Firstly, a needs assessment helps identify the specific training requirements of the organization, ensuring that the training programs align with the company's strategic goals and objectives. It allows Whirlpool to pinpoint areas where employees, particularly managers, require development to navigate challenges effectively, such as leading through economic downturns. Secondly, ongoing training ensures that employees stay updated with the latest industry trends, technologies, and best practices, enhancing their skills and knowledge. This continuous improvement fosters a culture of learning and adaptability, which is essential in a rapidly changing business environment. Lastly, ongoing training can boost employee morale and engagement, as it shows the company's commitment to investing in their growth and development, which, in turn, can lead to improved employee retention and productivity. Q2. How do you think Whirlpool’s training strategy will need to change in the future? Ans: Looking into the future, Whirlpool's training strategy may need to adapt to various factors. One significant aspect is the advancement of technology, which may require the integration of more digital and virtual training methods, such as augmented reality simulations or virtual reality experiences. As the workforce becomes more diverse in terms of age and background, personalized training approaches might become more prevalent to cater to individual learning preferences and needs. Additionally, Whirlpool may need to focus on developing skills related to sustainability, energy efficiency, and eco-friendly practices, aligning with the growing demand for environmentally conscious products. As the business landscape evolves, Whirlpool might also need to emphasize agility and adaptability in its managerial training, enabling leaders to respond effectively to unforeseen challenges and disruptions in the market. Regular updates to the needs assessment process will be essential to identify emerging skill gaps and ensure the training programs remain relevant and impactful. Reference Strategic imperatives imperatives (no date) Strategic Imperatives & Unique Structural Position | Whirlpool 2021 Annual Report. Available at: https://www.whirlpoolcorp.com/2021Annual/our-strengths/strategic-imperatives-and- unique-structural-position.php (Accessed: 27 July 2023). Admin and adminFollow Sudhir Chaurasiya on Linkedin InstagramExperienced Co- Founder(EDIIFY) with a demonstrated history of working in the e-learning industry. Skilled in Digital Product Management (2023) Whirlpool Marketing Strategy & Marketing Mix (4PS), EDIIFY. Available at: https://blog.ediify.com/whirlpool- marketing-strategy/ (Accessed: 27 July 2023).More Articles From Human Resource
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