Organizational culture has become a major focus in today's business world. It refers to the shared values, beliefs, and practices that shape the behavior of employees within an organization. The culture of a company can have a significant impact on employee satisfaction, productivity, and ultimately, the success of the organization. One company that has become known for its unique and vibrant culture is Zappos. In this article, we will explore which of the following dimensions of organizational culture is highest at Zappos.

1. Innovation and Risk-Taking

Innovation and risk-taking are important aspects of organizational culture that can promote creativity and growth. At Zappos, innovation is encouraged at every level of the organization. The company's CEO, Tony Hsieh, has made it a priority to create a culture of experimentation and learning. Zappos has been known to experiment with new ideas and technologies, such as the use of drones for delivery and virtual reality for shopping.

The company also encourages employees to take risks and try new things. Zappos has a program called "The Zappos Experience," where employees are given the opportunity to work in different departments, learn new skills, and gain new experiences. This program allows employees to take risks and try new things without fear of failure.

2. Customer Orientation

Customer orientation is another important dimension of organizational culture. At Zappos, the customer is at the center of everything the company does. The company has a strong commitment to providing exceptional customer service and has even created a culture around it. Zappos encourages employees to go above and beyond for customers, even if it means breaking company policies.

The company's customer service team is known for its friendly and helpful demeanor. Zappos has even created a "WOW" philosophy, where employees are encouraged to deliver a "WOW" experience to customers. This philosophy has become ingrained in the company culture and has helped to create a loyal customer base.

3. Employee Empowerment

Employee empowerment is another important aspect of organizational culture. At Zappos, employees are empowered to make decisions and take ownership of their work. The company has a flat organizational structure, which means that there are few layers of management. This allows employees to have more autonomy and be more involved in decision-making.

Zappos also has a strong focus on employee development and growth. The company offers a number of training and development programs, including leadership development and mentorship programs. The company also encourages employees to pursue their passions and interests, even if they are not directly related to their job.

4. Teamwork and Collaboration

Teamwork and collaboration are essential to the success of any organization. At Zappos, teamwork is encouraged through a number of initiatives. The company has a "zTEAM" program, which is designed to promote collaboration and teamwork. The program encourages employees to work together on projects and share ideas.

Zappos also has a strong focus on creating a fun and inclusive work environment. The company has a number of social events and activities, such as game nights and team-building exercises, to help foster a sense of camaraderie among employees.

So, which of these dimensions of organizational culture is the highest at Zappos? While all of these dimensions are important to the company, customer orientation is perhaps the most prominent. Zappos has built its entire business around providing exceptional customer service, and this philosophy is ingrained in the company culture. The company's commitment to putting the customer first has helped to create a loyal customer base and has contributed to the company's success.

However, it is important to note that all of these dimensions of organizational culture are closely intertwined. Zappos' emphasis on employee empowerment, teamwork, and innovation all contribute to the company's ability to deliver exceptional customer service. By empowering employees to take ownership of their work and encouraging innovation and collaboration, Zappos is able to consistently deliver a "WOW" experience to its customers.

Zappos has created a unique and vibrant organizational culture that has become a model for other companies to follow. The company's commitment to customer service, employee empowerment, innovation, and teamwork has helped to create a successful business that is both profitable and enjoyable to work for. While customer orientation may be the highest dimension of organizational culture at Zappos, it is clear that all of these dimensions work together to create a culture that is truly exceptional.