From watching the video, one can tell Zappos is guided by a definite and well

spelt our core values that guide the employees and the general operations of the
organizations. Some of the core values mentioned on this video includes; create fun
and a little weirdness, embrace and drive change, pursue growth and learning, build
a positive team and family spirit, be passionate and determined and be humble.
Guided by these values, we learn that Zappos have developed a working
environment for their employees that is marked by freeness between the
employees and the management. Whereas it would be typical for a company to
have bureaucratic decision making process, for Zappos this is unheard of since the
employees are empowered to make decisions that are supported by the
management. Pursuing growth and learning is key core value that tells us that
Zappos is keen to empower its employees but to offer them opportunities for growth
and excellence.
As a leading footwear and apparel company, Zappos has focused on ensuring
that their employees are supported, empowered and provided with a friendly
working environment. As mentioned in the video, Zappos is keen to ensure that the
employees are happy and this happiness can be transferred to the customers. The
primary goal of the company is to provide customer satisfaction through excellent
services and developing innovative ways and products that meet the customers
expectations. To achieve this objective, Zappos has realized that its employees are
a key asset towards meeting customer satisfaction and thus relevant support has
been provided to all the employees. As noted, Zappos employees work in teams and
participate in setting of their own goals. This is one sure way of warranting that the
employees not only take responsibility of the assigned duties but also develop a
sense of belonging.
By comparing the work environment at Zappos and the work environment of
one of my previous employer, I note some significant differences in terms of
employees inclusion in decision making and the management style. At Zappos, the
management is keen on executing the four functions of management i.e. planning,
leading, controlling and organizing in a more strategic manner . At my former
workplace, the management was too rigid and focused on short term goals instead
of long-term strategic goals. The duties for each employee were not well defined
and more often than not, we all would feel lost or out of place. As learnt from the
video, the management style at Zappos is on a contingent basis and the managers
are keen to lead in a manner that motivates and encourages communication
between the management and the employees.
Zappos highly encourages team approach in running and executing its
operations. One main advantage of team approach is that it promotes creativity and
learning among the employees. Through collaborative working, individuals in each
respective teams can learn from one another and strengthen ideas through sharing.
With the team approach, the employees feel obliged to take up responsibility of the
tasks assigned to them and this enables them to develop a sense of ownership that
fosters creativity and productivity. As mentioned in the video, each of the teams
have a specific objectives that helps the organization to achieve its overall goals
and objectives.