HRM / Organizational behaviour Case Study

Google's HR Practices: A Strategic Edge?

OR

Abstract:
Google, based in Mountain View, California, is the world’s most popular search engine. The company was not just known for its innovative breakthroughs in the technology front, but is also known for its unique culture and innovative Human Resource (HR) policies. In a survey conducted by BusinessWeek magazine, Google was the most sought after company by college students, MBAs, women, engineers, and diverse individuals. Google ranked 1st on the 10th annual ‘100 Best Companies to Work For’ list of Fortune, a well-known international business magazine. HR practices at Google is named ‘People Operations’, which is designed to underline the fact that it is not a mere administrative function, but ensures to build a strong employee-employer relationship. Google’s HR practices clearly reveal the impressive results of the company’s approach, which help in increasing employee productivity. The case facilitates discussion on whether the ‘Best Place to Work For’ culture at Google is to really attract and motivate the employees or if it is with a business motive.

Pedagogical Objectives:

• To analyse how employees help a company in differentiating itself from its competitors in knowledge-based industries
• To analyse how employees help a company in differentiating itself from its competitors in knowledge-based industries
• To analyse the innovative HR practices and the 'Best Place to Work For' culture at Google
• To analyse the future implications of Google’s HR practices in the long run.

Keywords : Google, HR Practices, Innovative Work Culture, Benefit Packages, Retention, Recruiting Machine, Competition for talent, Knowledge-based industries, HRM Case Studies, Workplace Design, Employee Benefits