We have studied the differences in business$-$level strategies closely this week, but how might these differences relate directly to you? As you$$ve learned, firms using a differentiation strategy will focus on drivers such as product features and customer service, while firms using a cost$-$leadership strategy will prioritize cost of inputs and economies of scale. These strategic decisions can have an impact on an employee$$s experience with the firm$$s work environment and culture. Hilton, Publix, and Wegmans Food Markets are companies that routinely end up on Fortune$$s list of $100$ Best Places to Work.$$ These companies use a differentiation business strategy. In contrast, Amazon and Walmart use the cost$-$leadership strategy; and as low$-$cost leaders, they do not rate nearly as well. According to inputs from the employee review site Glassdoor.com, only $56$ percent of the employees working at Walmart would recommend the firm to a friend. Compare this to the over $80$ percent who would recommend both Hilton and Wegmans Food Markets.

As you seek options for starting or growing your career, carefully consider the strategy the firm takes in the marketplace. By no means should you avoid low$-$cost leaders in lieu of strong differentiators $($nor should you deem all differentiators as great places to work$).$ Fast$-$paced organizations that focus on driving tangible results for the organization offer much to learn. For example, Amazon has been a very successful company for the past decade, and many employees have had multiple opportunities to learn enormous amounts in a short period. Amazon employees are encouraged to criticize each other$$s ideas openly in meetings; they work long days and on weekends; and they strive to meet $$unreasonably high$$ standards. The high standards and relentless pace are a draw for many employees who are motivated to push themselves to learn, grow, and create$$perhaps beyond their perceived limits$.$

Many former employees say the nimble and productive environment is great for learning and the Amazon experience has really helped their careers expand. Now consider the following questions and respond in a two$-$to$-$three page APA formatted paper.

Employees and consultants say the Amazon workplace is the epitome of a $$do more for less cost$$ environment. We recognize this is a hallmark goal of a cost$-$leader$-$ship business strategy. But ask yourself this key question, Is it the type of high$-$pressure work environment in which YOU would thrive?

Amazon has surpassed $650,000$ employees and is the second publicly traded company in the world to hit $$1$ trillion market capitalization $($just after Apple$).$ The company offers bold new ideas as a retailer and is under an intense pressure to deliver on its goals. The allure from this type of success is compelling and offers tremendous rewards to many employees, shareholders, and customers. What aspects of success are you seeking in your professional career?

Before you launch into a new project, job, or firm, or even before you make a change in industry in the effort to move forward in your career, always consider the trade$-$offs that you would and would not be willing to make.