HR Pioneers

Control Data Corporation, a legendary Minnesota company that developed both cutting edge computer technology and innovative social ventures that combated poverty. This book focuses on these social business ventures. They were primarily launched by the companys Human Resources function during the 1960s to the 1980s. The Human Resources function helped Control Data create a series of poverty-area plants. These manufacturing centers were specifically built within communities afflicted by economic hardship. The plants became successful, maintaining long term employees and improving the vitality of their surrounding communities. The HR function then developed internal ventures to help employees overcome work related problems, obesity, drug additions, and other social ills. These internal support ventures, specifically Employee Advisory Resource, were eventually sold to outside customers. Many of these employee policies and services are now standard practice within todays corporate culture.