http://vimeo.com/19275127
This video talks about a unique company called Ning. They helps users create custom-branded social networks such as Amy Poehler’s network to get girls into politics and a 500,000-strong community for the “Twilight” teen vampire movies. offers catered lunch, unlimited snacks and other perks, but what employees like about working there is the horizontal hierarchy. What that means is that everyone, no matter whether they’re right out of college or have 20 years experience, collaborate together. Also, the company has a “no limit” vacation policy, which means they can take as much as they want, as long as they get their job done.
Jason Rand, one of the newest employees at Ning said “I like that, at age 25, I work alongside the executive team and the CEO, They literally sit across from me, they know who I am and what I’m working on." The work style of Ning reminds me alot of when we talked about Zappos. The enviornment of the work place causes employees to work more and like going to work. This motivation style is very unique and works!
-Avery Smith
This organization is alot like Zappos in the way that they have a horizontal heirarchy. It proivdes the employee with the fact that they are respected in the firm and that they are not treated any differently based on job title. If anyone had the ability to talk with the CEO in an informal setting, such as the one described, their level of satisfaction would increase. It would also be a more comfortable place to work at. Not only does the company get to exchange ideas with the head honcho, but they also get to take as much time off as needed, which would decrease job dissatisfaction.
ReplyDeleteThe comment above was by Nick Meyering!
ReplyDeleteI agree with Nick, this does sound quite a bit like the environment at Zappos. With that being said I think it is ultimately the new age of business environments. Companys that have been using this horizontal structure have been very successful over the last decade and I think it has a lot to do with the freedom employees get as well as the opportunities to work along side CEO's in the office. Good Video!
ReplyDeleteThis was a good one Avery. Another demonstration of a business I had no clue existed. They remind me of facebook and google, and empowering their employees to work freely and take on thier own projects. Really cool vid, and a nice structure to work in.
ReplyDeleteThank you guys. Like I said you almost get the feel that they took their business directly from the way Zappos runs their business.
ReplyDeleteI agree with zach about the horizontal hierarchy has been very successful over the last decade. Google has the same policy of Ning with the CEO and executives working with with new and common employee's. Good Job Avery!
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