cover
story
The ROAD TO
HIRE LEARNING
Costco employees
are schooled in value
IMAGEZOO
By Steve Fisher
SOME COMPANIES use the “command and control”
philosophy—a strongly regimented structure with top
executives barking orders that are passed down the line
until someone jumps.
“Costco functions more like a college,” says John
Matthews, senior vice president of human resources,
“with top executives as professors, sharing knowledge
and encouraging an environment of learning.”
While educational opportunities vary, with some
departments requiring formal programs for licensing
and certification, the commitment to education is
across the board. Employees are encouraged to become
experts in their fields, and not only because education
may lead to advancement. Ultimately, the knowledge
enables buyers to negotiate as equals with their suppli-
ers, and leads to Costco offering products and services
of the highest quality and best value to members. Here
are some of the ways Costco educates for your benefit.
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