Overstock.com the Online Environment Today Has Created

Overstock.com

The online environment today has created a world in which companies can become either massive or fizzle out without ever having been known to exist. It is often the case with massive companies that they tend to lose the individual touch within the quagmire of online sales, huge international workforces, and faceless customers. This has not been the case with Overstock.com. Although the company has grown exponential within the online environment, and although it is currently an international entity, it maintains its human touch not only in the form of its charitable efforts, but also in terms of other stakeholders such as its employees and its customers. While its mission and vision are on the quality of its products, the company also focuses on providing a high quality of service and care to its customers and a high quality of care to other stakeholders such as its investors and employees.

The mission of Overstock.com, as mentioned, is to provide its customers with products of a high quality while also using a high level of good service to achieve this. The vision is that products will continue to improve in quality while customer relationships will be maintained and perpetuated.

One of the company's most important stakeholder groups is its employees. Employees are chosen for their ability to work efficiently and function within a diverse community of professionals. Those who "go the extra mile" are rewarded with a friendly work atmosphere and a workplace that is concerned with its employees' work-life balance. Employees work within an environment that stimulates their creativity and in turn provides a full benefits package. The company website goes as far as claiming to be part of their employees' "American Dream."

Another important stakeholder group is the company's customers. Overstock.com proves this with its multiple top five customer service rankings for six consecutive years. These rankings are determined for all U.S. retailers. The customers' voice is considered of utmost importance to the company, and Overstock.com has a reputation for listening to the expectations and needs of its customers. Customers are therefore assured not only of excellent products, but also of excellent customer service to support their purchase.

A third group of stakeholders is the company's social responsibility partners. The company is involved in several charitable efforts, including Pet Adoptions USA, the Best Friends ANIMAL Society, small businesses across the United States, the Wounded Warrior Project. As such, the company works to create a better life for human and animal alike, where homeless cats and dogs are supported across the country, while donations to the country's war veterans help to support them and their lives. The company Website includes several links to these efforts for customers and visitors to find out more and to help in the effort.

Like any other publicly traded company, Overstock.com has several investors and shareholders, who are supported by the fact that the company "goes the extra mile," just like it expects its employees to do. The company's focus on social responsibility and customer care provides a platform not only for excellent business practice, but for a healthy sense of longevity as well.