Abstract

GE is one of the world’s leading conglo-merates with operations spread across eleven businesses. It has been adjudged as one of the top companies for executive development in the world in recognition of its ability to nurture executive talent. The case describes how GE pioneered the concept of a full fledged corporate university, the John F. Welch Leadership Centre (WLC) at Crotonville. It further explains how a strong learning culture was developed at GE through innovative programs like Work-Out. It also details the various employee training and education initiatives undertaken at GE and examines how these initiatives helped in improving employee productivity and performance. The case also discusses GE’s e-learning initiatives and highlights the benefits of e-learning for employee training and development.

Learning Objectives

The case is structured to achieve the following Learning Objectives:

• Training and development initiatives undertaken in a large conglomerate. Leadership training and development programs in a highly diversified company. e-learning initiatives at GE its benefits and drawbacks.

Keywords

Training and Development, General Electric, Jack Welch, Ralph Cordiner, Crotonville centre, Noel Tichy, Six Sigma, John F. Welch Leadership Centre, GE Medical Equipment, Experienced Commercial Leadership Program, ECLP, Human Resources Leadership Program, HRLP, GE Aircraft Engineering, Corporate University, Chief Learning Officer, Learning Organization, e-Learning