Abstract

Valero Energy was well known as one of the best employers in the US. Not only did the company have the distinction of not having laid off an employee even during the most difficult times, but it also offered some of the best benefits and bonuses among the large companies in the country. In the early 2000s, Valero earned the appreciation of HR experts when it started applying scientific principles and tools to typical HR practices like manpower planning and recruitment. The company was also known for its ‘caring and sharing’ culture which gave people preponderance over all other factors. The company was well known for its community development initiatives. This case discusses the factors behind Valero’s success as an employer. It details the company’s approach toward human resource management and talks about the cultural elements that gave Valero its reputation as a great employer. It also talks about the company commitment to safety and its community development initiatives. The case concludes with a discussion of the challenges facing Valero’s culture.

Learning Objectives

The case is structured to achieve the following Learning Objectives:

• Best practices in the field of human resources management at a large energy company
• Use of scientific methods and tools in typical HR functions like manpower development and recruitment
• The impact of a company’s culture and values on employee morale
• and The difficulties in keeping intact the culture of a large company given to acquisitions.

Keywords

Valero Energy Corp., Bill Greehey, Best HR Practices, Work Culture, 100 Best Companies to Work for in the US, Great Place to Work Institute, Mission Statement, Recruitment, Exxon Mobil, Chevron, Six Sigma, HR Information System, Benefits Program, Organization Culture, Lay-offs, Community Involvement, Valero Volunteer Council, labor supply chain