Zappos is known for a number of things: trendy shoes, fast online shopping, and a call centre that some argue has the best culture in the world. As Julia discusses in her COMM292 blog, their culture is definitely unconventional. Their boss sits in a cubicle identical to the rest of the company, impromptu parties aren’t uncommon, and overall, everyone seems happy. In fact, there have been numerous articles and even a book on the wild success of this company, which the CEO attributes mostly to their unique emphasis on culture.

It is undeniable that this culture has worked exceedingly well for this specific company. But if this informal and nontraditional way of thinking is the key to a rapidly growing company, then why has it not been adopted by every company? The focus should be on the culture fit to the employees. The employees at Zappos are carefully selected through extensive interview process, which is comprised of a section entirely dedicated to checking the culture fit. In another company, the Zappos’ culture itself may present an issue for their operations. For example, the noise level of an open-concept desk arrangement may make it difficult for a company that requires intense focus to be efficient and productive.

Almost any culture can be a conducive to a successful company. To make the culture work, the company should focus on being consistent with their culture and finding employees that fit their culture. Being consistent with the company values will make the culture stronger. If it isn’t consistent, mixed messages are sent to the employees and makes it easier for deviations from the desired atmosphere. Finding employees that fit the culture of the company also contributes to the strength of the culture. More importantly, having employees that all fit the company makes the employees happier at work. Happiness is often underrated in the corporate world, but an employee that is satisfied with their job and loves the environment they’re working in is more likely to engage in organizational citizenship behaviour: going above and beyond the expectations set for them. Regardless of the culture a company has, its emphasis has the power to determine the success or failure of the company.

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