Internal and external Google practices affecting ethics in planning processes

GOOGLE

internal & external Google practices and examples of how ethics affect GOGLE planning process

Google, ethics and the four functions of management

Google, ethics and the four functions of management

Planning

Google places tremendous faith in the ability of its employees to uphold high ethical standards: it allows employees to create their own research projects and to direct some of the ventures of the organization from the 'ground up.' It believes that by giving employees free reign, the company as a whole (and the world as a whole) will prosper and employees will not take advantage of this freedom. Rather than micromanaging employees, or creating a culture of mistrust between workers and management, Google believes that the ability to be creative motivates employees. The drive for self-improvement creates tangible assets for the company and the employee. "Your creative ideas matter here" it writes on the section of its website geared to prospective employees (Top ten, 2009, Google). Although it is a technology company, it wishes to demonstrate that it has respect for the 'human element' in its workplace. Soliciting information from the company can be used to improve the company.

Leading

Google disdains hierarchical styles of leadership in its approach. A lower-level employee could be found lunching side-by-side with one of its executives at one of Google's many cafeterias. Employees are lead by the spirit of the company's philosophy, but leadership is not disseminated in an authoritative manner, rather leadership is achieved through a participative approach that internally motivates the employee to want to 'be good to Google.' Employees are not required to sacrifice their personal autonomy to become a part of the organization.

Organizing

Google is an international organization, spanning to the far reaches of the globe. As a search engine, it is accessed by many people all over the globe. Its organization is wide, but despite top management's informal style, the distinctive Google culture seems to be present in all of its international incarnations. This indicates that although the organization disdains hierarchy, Google is careful to select people and processes suited to the Google philosophy. Careful selection of the right employees is one mechanism of external control deployed by Google.

Controlling

Google controls its employees not through fear, but by motivating them to do good works: "With millions of visitors every month, Google has become an essential part of everyday life - like a good friend - connecting people with the information they need to live great lives" it proclaims (Top ten, 2009, Google). Google offers generous compensation packages to its employees that are individually tailored, and given the difficulty of finding good health insurance and 401 (K) s in the current economy, this also acts as an incentive to remain at the company.