Unfairly Labeled

Chapter 12

Case Study 2

This chapter will present a second case study, this time with a Class I railroad organization. In this example, the railroad organization studied was considering a significant investment in technology and training programs for the graduates of a management-training program. Making no assumptions about learning preferences, they conducted a survey of the targeted population. I consulted with the organization to create an extensive peer-reviewed study to analyze differences in learning style preferences by generational cohort. The results revealed that no correlation existed between learning preference and generational cohort. The organization then made a series of investments based on the findings. Generational stereotypes were once again proven wrong.

Background

The railroad industry has a long history of resiliency. At first, the railroads operated in the private sector. However, because of the public's dependence on fixed public transportation, a regulatory board was established in 1887 to oversee rates, mergers and acquisitions, and so forth. This board was called the Interstate Commerce Commission (ICC). Some have argued that, as time passed, the ICC became overly influenced by the industry interests. Many of the Commission members were, themselves, lifetime rail executives. By 1960, with over a third of the U.S. rail industry close to bankruptcy, it was time for change. In the 1970s and 1980s, a series of policy changes resulted in deregulation. ...