Hot Topic Corporate Culture

Hot Topic Incorporated was a small chain retail store who grew internationally expanding to Canada and Puerto Rico. Hot Topic’s structure of management is related to that of reward/referent power with a participative leadership style while infused with a group think type atmosphere. Most of the employees who work in these retail stores have expressed their appreciation for the retailer’s culture so much that they have made the Fortune 500’s Top Companies to work for list many times over. “What makes it so great? Employees express themselves at this music-inspired clothing retailer. Workers love wearing what they want (including tattoos and nose piercings) and saying what they want. Nearly 80% of the workforce is under 25.” ("Fortune 100 best,"

This gives the employee a sense of belonging as well as a sense of pride as they are supported in their daily risk –taking decisions when taking care of the needs of the customer. (Manning & Manning, 2012) Hot Topic Incorporated (HOTT) can continue to see the culture of its stores grow as they maintain their commitment to open communication and continue to seek out the methods and manners that will allow their employees the cultural freedom to express themselves through their diversified generational inspired era. HOTT’s innovative cultural environment of no doors and no walls encourages open communication, promotes collaboration and takes the emphasis off hierarchy. This reinforces the casual work environment and freedom of expression that is inspired through the music and eclectic personalities of the employees and customers that are driven by this type of atmosphere. This type of ambiance allows for everyone to feel as though they are on the same level and are all equally respected. When I first read the article on Hot Topic’s cultural environment, I could visually see and agree with the reviews I found on Glassdoor.com, especially