At Zappos, many decisions come from the bottom up rather than the top down, and executives even sit in the same area with employees unless there are confidentiality issues. Organizations that spread decision making across levels in this manner are best described as

departmentalized.

specialized.

formal.

autocratic.

decentralized.

Zappos not only values its employees’ efforts and productivity, but also their input and insight based on their positions within the firm. All executives sit in the same area with employees to ensure they listen to their employees. They also regularly hold Town Hall meetings and focus groups to solicit employees’ feedback and opinions. These efforts are indicative of the firm’s values, which along with a firm’s rites and rituals, comprise its

core competency.

marketing scheme.

brand statement.

corporate culture.

mission statement.