Tuesday, July 11, 2023

Discussion 9A: Mapping the elements of the Cultural Web for Zappos

Based on all the videos you have watched regarding Zappos,

1.     Identify and build up the web elements of the Cultural Web

2.     What is the key to success at Zappos

Stories. Represents the narratives and anecdotes shared within the organisation. These stories reflect the values, benefits, and significant events that have shaped the organisation’s history and culture. Stories contribute to the creation of organisational identity and provide an example of desired behaviours. (Zappos.com, 2008)

Symbols. The visual representations hold meaning within the organisation. This can include a logo, office layout, dress code, office artefacts, and other tangible elements that convey and reinforce the organisation’s values and beliefs. (Zappos.com, 2008)

Power Structures. Refers to the formal and informal distribution of authority. Decision-making processes, and hierarchical relationships within the organisation. It involves understanding who holds power, how decisions are made, and how authority is exercised. Power structures influence the organisation’s culture and shape the behaviour of its members. (Zappos.com, 2008)

Organisational structure. Represents the formal framework and arrangement of roles, responsibilities, and reporting relationships within the organisation. The structure determines how tasks and responsibilities are divided, and it influences communication, collaboration, and decision-making process. Most organisations have an approved hierarchical line to establish company protocols and chain of command. (Zappos.com, 2008)

Control System. Refers to the mechanisms and processes in place to monitor and evaluate employee performance and ensure adherence to organisational norms and values. This includes performance management systems, policies, procedures, and reward systems. Control systems play a role in shaping and reinforcing the desired behaviours and values within the organisation. (Zappos.com, 2008)

Rituals and Routines. Regular and repetitive actions, ceremonies, and behaviours that occur within the organisation. These can include team meetings, annual events, performance reviews, and other established norms, create a sense of belonging, and reinforce desired behaviours. (Zappos.com, 2008)

Key to Success at Zappos. By adopting Holacracy in the workplace, Zappos have had empowered their employees with a purpose and accountabilities. Holacracy, a self-managing design for organisations, which removes typical hierarchies where everyone is equally accountable. (Ackermann, M., Schell, S. and Kopp, S., 2021)

Zappos workers can tailor their professions based on their preferences. They earn badges based on their jobs and expertise. Compensation is corresponding with badges they earn, thus providing an opportunity to explore new angles, pursue their passion, and increase their profits. Zappos is augmenting a collaborative mindset and making the system more appealing by introducing a co-worker reward policy, enabling employees to spread satisfaction by rewarding co-workers for their vital contributions and diligent adherence to cultural values. (Kumar S, V., & Mukherjee, S., 2018).

Structure alone is not enough for producing the desired change. Implementation of a new culture will remain. Clear core values will enable firms to propel themselves with sustainable growth and retention of valuable workforce. (Kumar S, V., & Mukherjee, S., 2018).

Reference

Zappos.com. (2008, August). Zappos Company Culture – The Zappos Family on Nightline. [Video}. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tFyW5s_7ZWc

Kumar S, V., & Mukherjee, S. (2018). Holacracy – the future of organizing? The case of Zappos. Human Resource Management International Digest, 26(7), 12–15. https://doi.org/10.1108/HRMID-08-2018-0161

Ackermann, M., Schell, S. and Kopp, S. (2021), “How Mercedes-Benz addresses digital transformation using Holacracy”, Journal of Organizational Change Management, available at: https://doi.org/10.1108

 


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A Son Never Forgets

Before moving to Australia in 2014, I spent a decade working in the Middle East, from 2004 to 2014. I held the position of Lead Power Contro...