Question: Patagonia's Culture Patagonia sells outdoors sports clothes and sporting equipment through specialty retailers, a catalog, and stores in North America, Europe, Australia, and Japan. Patagonia is known for having a culture that emphasizes quality products and environmental awareness, and it gives employees the opportunity to grow and develop. This culture has attracted employees who have causal tastes, a motivation and passion to learn, and an active lifestyle. All of Patagonia's human resource management practices, including training and development, support the company's mission. For example, the company hires "dirtbags"--passionate outdoor people who are customers.
Patagonia believes that it is easier to teach these people business than it is to turn a business salesperson into someone with a passion for the outdoors. Patagonia hires primarily from within its current work force. Employee education is emphasized as much as product research and promotion. Patagonia provides employees with a minimum of 45 hours of training per year. The wide range of classes offered are designed to keep employees learning but are not necessarily related to employees' current jobs. These courses include an introduction to French culture, business and communications, Japanese style, and beginning sewing. Patagonia also has an internship program that allows employees to take time off from work. How do Patagonia's practices contribute to creating a positive climate for learning and transfer of training?