Apple’s transition from a computer to a consumer electronics company is unprecedented—and
hard to replicate. Although many can only speculate about why Apple succeeded so well, they tend
to credit Steve Jobs’ remarkable leadership abilities, Apple’s highly skilled employees, and its strong
corporate culture.
The concept of evangelism is an important component of Apple’s culture. Corporate evangelists
refer to people who extensively promote a corporation’s products. Apple even had a chief
evangelist whose job was to spread the message about Apple and gain support for its products.
However, as the name evangelism implies, the role of evangelist takes on greater meaning.
Evangelists believe strongly in the company and will spread that belief to others, who in turn will
convince other people. Therefore, evangelists are not only employees but loyal customers as well.
In this way, Apple was able to form what it refers to as a “Mac cult”—customers who are very loyal
to Apple’s Mac computers and who will spread a positive message about Macs to their friends and
families.
Successful evangelism can only occur with dedicated, enthusiastic employees who are willing to
spread the word about Apple. When Jobs returned to Apple, he instituted two cultural changes: he
encouraged debate on ideas, and he created a vision that employees could believe in. By
implementing these two changes, employees felt that their input was important and that they were
a part of something bigger than themselves. Such feelings have created a sense of loyalty among
many at Apple.
Apple prides itself on its unique corporate culture. On its job site for corporate employees, it
ensures potential applicants that the organization has a flat structure, lacking the layers of
bureaucracy of other corporations. Apple also emphasizes that it does not adhere to normal work
environments in which employees are at their stations from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Instead, Apple
markets itself as a fast-paced, innovative, and collaborative environment committed toward doing
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things “the right way.” By offering both challenges and benefits to applicants, Apple hopes to attract
those who fit best with its corporate culture.
Apple also looks for retail employees that work well in its culture. Apple wants to ensure that its
retail employees make each consumer feel welcome. Inside the Apple retailers are stations where
customers can test and experiment with the latest Apple products. Employees have been trained to
speak with customers within two minutes of them entering the store. To ensure that its retailer
employees feel motivated, Apple provides extensive training, greater compensation than employees
might receive at similar stores, and opportunities to move up to manager, genius (an employee
trained to answer the more difficult customer questions), or creative (an employee who trains
customers one-on-one or through workshops). Apple also offers young people the chance to intern
with Apple or become student representatives at their schools.
Another benefit that Apple offers combines employee concerns with those of the environment. In
an effort to reduce its overall environmental impact, Apple offers incentives such as transit
subsidies for employees who opt to use public transportation. Its Cupertino facility is equipped
with shuttles for employees, including free bus service between the Apple headquarters and the
train station. Apple’s free buses are powered by bio-diesel. These incentives reduce fuel costs for
employees while simultaneously lowering emissions released into the environment.