Capital One Financial Corporation
Called the
“fast-growing credit-card giant,” Capital One is one of the biggest credit card
companies in the area. Capital One started as an independent company in 1995.
They have quickly risen to the top of the credit card industry in the
Most of
the staff—85%—feel that Capital One encourages their ideas. The company
developed the “Speak Up” policy, which motivates the employees to say what they
think about the company. They have fun days where a department might go skiing,
see a baseball game, or take a cooking class.
The company
has built the foundation for a strategic community relations program by forming
long-term alliances with agencies that are dedicated to helping communities and
young people. The company offers leadership grants to nonprofit organizations,
sponsors volunteer community programs, and makes donations to help
underprivileged children.
Capital One has grown during the past two years. The company expanded from
15,000 to more than 20,000 employees. A magazine recently ranked the firm first
in staff development. In 1999, almost a quarter of the staff was promoted.