The Snitch

The gigantic internet retailer Amazon has recently announced its acquisition of online shoe website Zappos.com (which is known for its fun-loving and quirky culture) for a reported sum of US$807 million in cash and stock.

While other companies send out press releases and hold media conferences to announce the news of the acquisition, Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos took another route and decided to make a YouTube video instead to allay the possibly mixed feelings employees have when they hear about the news. In the video, Bezos talks about how he started Amazon from his home, the excitement the company felt when they made their first sale to a non-family member and the lessons he’s learnt in the 15 years of building the company (Think long-term! Obsess about the customer!).

And on Zappo’s end, its CEO Tony Hsieh wrote a lengthy blog article answering questions such as job security (jobs are still as secure as ever), what the future of Zappos looks like (things are going to be run the same as before) and whether employees can now enjoy Amazon discounts (nope!).

But as discussed in July’s feature on employee communication, the new advent of new media and technology has seen CEOs and top management utilising a whole new means of communication tools to convey messages to employees. While CEOs and senior management typically hold townhall meetings in newly acquired companies (and that isn’t going to change), videos such as these can help speed the M&A process of gaining the trust of acquired companies.

And already, some of the video comments have been favourable, with one commentor complimenting Bezos and saying: “This is how CEO’s should be, being able to speak to everyone on a same level and imparting and reinforcing statements and knowledge in a down to earth manner.”

So for HR practitioners, don’t be surprised if you are asked to one day help wield a camera and help your CEO shoot a video. It might happen sooner than you think.