A Phenonmenological Study Exploring the Corporate Culture of Zappos and the Impact of Zappos on Downtown Las Vegas

Abstract

The purpose of this qualitative, phenomenological study is to explore the lived experiences of people working for Zappos, living in the downtown Las Vegas community, and working for the City of Las Vegas during the revitalization of the downtown area. The study is designed to address a gap in literature surrounding the phenomenon of the corporate culture at Zappos and how the practice of Holacracy might have influenced the beliefs and values held by employees at Zappos and how these beliefs and values influence non-work-related decisions. Semi-structured, in-depth interviews asking open-ended questions provided the data for this study that was analyzed using the modified van Kaam method of analysis (Moustakas, 1994). Data analysis revealed 14 different themes relating to Zappos, downtown Las Vegas, corporate culture, Holacracy, and revitalization. The results of this study suggest that the revitalization of downtown Las Vegas was accelerated by the relocation of Zappos to downtown Las Vegas, and that the unique corporate culture, not Holacracy, influenced the revitalization. The findings of this study create foundational knowledge of the phenomenon involving Zappos and the revitalization of downtown Las Vegas. Recommendations for future research include a mixed methods approach that explores the revitalization efforts of the Downtown Project and quantitative correlations of crime statistics, urban development, and demographic changes.