Google Case Notes:
This case highlights the human resource management (HR) practices at Google that
are integral to the company’s long-term success. The case illustrates specific
components of Google’s HR strategy and also provides insights on some of the
B-12. What do you think of the idea of Google correlating personal traits from the
employees’ answers on the survey to their performance, and then using that as the
B-13. The benefits that Google pays obviously represent an enormous expense. Based
on what you know about Google and on what you read in this text, how would you
defend all these benefits if you’re making a presentation to the security analysts who
B-14. If you wanted to hire the brightest people around, how would you go about
recruiting and selecting them?
B-15. To support its growth and expansion strategy, Google wants (among other traits)
people who are super-bright and who work hard, often round-the-clock, and who are
flexible and maintain a decent work–life balance. List five specific HR policies or
practices that you think Google has implemented or should implement to support its
strategy, and explain your answer.
There are many HR policies or practices that can support its strategy to grow and
B-16. What sorts of factors do you think Google will have to take into consideration as it
tries transferring its culture and reward systems and way of doing business to its
thus, our individual incentive awards may not be as effective. Wide variances in the
B-17. Given the sorts of values and culture Google cherishes, briefly describe four
specific activities you suggest they pursue during new-employee orientation.
Just hiring the right employees will not ensure Google is successful. The onboarding or
new-employee orientation process is important to socialize the employee into the
organization’s culture and help them understand what workplace behaviors will help