Best Practices in Talent Management: How the World's Leading Corporations Manage, Develop, and Retain Top Talent

INTRODUCTION

Whirlpool Corporation is the world’s leading manufacturer and marketer of major home appliances. Founded in 1911 by Lou Upton, Whirlpool initially produced motor-driven wringer washing machines. Today Whirlpool Corporation realizes annual sales of approximately $19 billion, has 73,000 employees, and maintains approximately seventy manufacturing and technology research centers around the world. Whirlpool Corporation manufactures and markets major brand names that include Whirlpool, Maytag, KitchenAid, Jenn-Air, Amana, Brastemp, Consul, and Bauknecht to consumers in nearly every country around the world.

During its first fifty years, the company grew and expanded manufacturing operations to include a full range of kitchen and ...