group assignment mgt103 topic googles organization structure and design

Introduce the Organization of Google Google management emphasizes fundamentals such as setting clear goals, providing feedback, and empowering employees to make decisions [Bock, L.. It f

FPT UNIVERSITY- CAMPUS HO CHI MINH

GROUP ASSIGNMENT [MGT103]

TOPIC : Google’s Organization Structure and Design

Class : MC1901

Lecture : Phan Hoang Ha

Course: MGT103 Group members: Jollibee

Name of group member Code Contribution

%

1 Nguyễn Thái Hoàng Lâm SS180713 100%

2 Nguyễn Thị Ngọc Linh SS180020 100 %

4 Nguyễn Thị Ngọc Minh SS180732 100 %

6 Nguyễn thị Quỳnh Trang SS180156 100%

Table Contents

I Background 2

1 Company’s Background 2

2 Introduce the Organization of Google 2

II Google's Organisational Structure and Design 2

1 Google's current organizational structure 2

a Matrix 2

a Flat 3

2 Organisational Design Elements 4

a Flat Organisational Structure: 6

b Flexible Job Roles: 6

c Cross-Functional Teams: 6

d 20% Time and Autonomy: 6

e Data-Driven Decision-Making: 6

f Open Communication: 7

g Ongoing Education and Growth: 7

h Global Workforce: 7

i Performance-Based Culture: 7

3 Organisational Culture 7

b How the culture complements the organizational structure 8

c Impact of Google's culture on employee motivation and performance 9

4 Organisational Challenges and Opportunities 10

a Challenges 10

b Opportunities 11

III Conclusion 11

IV References 12

Figure list Figure 1: Google - Org Chart, Teams, Culture & Jobs 3

Figure 2: Alphabet Inc.'s organizational structure 4

I Background

1 Company’s Background

Google's background starts in 1998 when Larry Page and Sergey Brin founded the company as a search engine during their Ph.D at Stanford University [Google] The company's primary goal was to organize the world's information and make it universally available and useful Google has since grown into a tech giant, diversifying into various industries including online advertising, cloud computing, software, and hardware [Google] It has become one of the most influential companies internationally, with products like its search engine, Google Maps, YouTube, and the Android operating system being widely used

2 Introduce the Organization of Google

Google management emphasizes fundamentals such as setting clear goals, providing feedback, and empowering employees to make decisions [Bock, L 2017] The company uses data analytics to assess management performance and identify areas for improvement It fosters a culture of innovation, encourages risk-taking, learning from failures, and sharing of ideas [Lombardo, J 2023] Transparency and openness are key, with the free flow of information and active employee involvement Google also values collaboration and diversity, forming cross-functional, multi-industry teams to highlight inclusivity and opportunities for mutual learning

II Google's Organisational Structure and Design

1 Google's current organizational structure

Google, which currently operates under the umbrella of Alphabet Inc., has an organizational structure that is both cross-functional and flat [ Lombardo, J 2023] —the evolution of Google's structure over time

a Matrix

Google's matrix company structure combines functional and product-based departmental structures, allowing employees to report to multiple managers [Sarah Hallam 2023] This setup fosters collaboration between different departments, promoting innovation and flexibility It enables Google to quickly adapt to market changes and technological advances by supporting effective resource allocation and project prioritization

Figure 1 Google - Org Chart, Teams, Culture & Jobs:

a Flat

The defining feature of Google's structure is its emphasis on flatness, which sets it apart from conventional hierarchical models [Basri, D, Rusdi, M & Sulaeman S 2014] By minimizing layers of management, Google fosters an environment that puts agility and quick decision-making first This streamlined approach allows employees to have more direct access to leadership, thereby enhancing communication and collaboration throughout the organization Google's flat structure cultivates a culture of empowerment and accountability, encouraging employees to take ownership of their projects and initiatives [Basri, D, Rusdi, M & Sulaeman S 2014 ]

Figure 2 :Alphabet Inc.'s organizational structure.

2 Organisational Design Elements

Discuss how Google's organizational design supports innovation and creativity:

In the modern technology and business landscape, innovation and creativity are indispensable to stay ahead Google, a world leader in technology and information, has consistently pushed the boundaries

of innovation with its groundbreaking products and services Google's continued success is considered

to be its creativity and innovation

At Google, creativity is expressed in many different ways One of them is because its flat structure promotes collaboration and idea-sharing among employees, regardless of their hierarchical position By removing barriers to communication, Google empowers employees to freely contribute ideas, creating

an environment conducive to innovation Google encourages cross-functional collaboration, where teams from different fields, such as engineering, design, marketing, and research, work together to develop comprehensive solutions [FourWeekMBA, 2024] To provide a similar structure to the workday, Google mandates that employees follow the 70/20/10 rule In other words, 70% of the

workday should be spent on projects assigned by management Another 20% can be spent on new projects or ideas related to projects assigned by management The final 10% can be used to explore any idea regardless of topic or relevance [FourWeekMBA, 2024]

Google regularly forms cross-functional teams, composed of individuals with diverse backgrounds, skills, and expertise These teams work collaboratively on projects, bringing together different perspectives and approaches to problem-solving By encouraging collaboration across sectors, Google stimulates creativity and innovation, leading to new solutions and breakthrough products The synergy created by cross-functional teams allows Google to tackle complex challenges flexibly and effectively, driving innovation forward [Ghosh, A 2023] The company also uses ols like Google Workspace to to enhance collaboration These tools enable teams to work together seamlessly, regardless of their geographic location, ensuring the uninterrupted flow of ideas and information [Ghosh, A 2023]

Google pursues the concept of open innovation, actively seeking contributions from external sources to supplement its internal capabilities Through partnerships, collaborations, and open source initiatives, Google taps into a global network of innovators, leveraging diverse perspectives and expertise to drive innovation.” Great ideas can come from anywhere" and everyone is creative [Paulise, L 2021] At Google, this principle emphasizes that innovation is not just anyone's job title but everyone's responsibility Furthermore, ideas can come from anyone in the organization, whether they are top-level executives, employees working in roles or departments not typically associated with innovation, or employees members at the “bottom” of the company's totem pole For example, at Google, it was their Google Health product manager who suggested the company optimize information about suicide prevention hotlines whenever conducting a related search Thanks to this innovation, Google search information results will automatically suggest where to call for help[TomorrowToday Global 2016]

Google fosters a supportive environment that encourages risk-taking and experimentation The company views failure as a natural part of the innovation process and encourages employees to take risks, learn from mistakes, and iterate on ideas This culture of risk-taking empowers employees to push

the boundaries of conventional thinking, fostering a culture of innovation and creativity Google overate

a Flat Organisational Structure:

There are fewer degrees of hierarchy in Google's well-known flat organizational structure This encourages a setting that is more transparent and cooperative The organization places a strong emphasis

on fostering a culture in which workers are encouraged to exchange ideas and work together across teams [Paulise, L 2021]

b Flexible Job Roles:

Google frequently permits its employees to work in a flexible capacity For example, engineers are not limited to traditional jobs; they can contribute to multiple projects or pursue diverse interests This adaptability encourages innovation and creativity inside the business [Kumar, G 2023]

c Cross-Functional Teams:

Google regularly forms these groups, assembling people with various backgrounds and skill sets to collaborate on certain projects This strategy seeks to develop a culture of interdisciplinary cooperation and improve problem-solving skills [Kumar, G 2023]

d 20% Time and Autonomy:

Google is well-known for its "20% time" policy, which encourages staff members to dedicate 20% of their working hours to side projects that support the objectives of the organization This program encourages independence and gives workers the freedom to explore creative ideas outside of their regular duties [Baines, R 2023]

e Data-Driven Decision-Making:

Data-driven decision-making is highly valued at Google Workers in a variety of roles can make educated judgments because they have access to data and analytics tools This method aids in process optimization and raises overall effectiveness [ Moroles, J 2023]

f Open Communication:

Google promotes an environment where communication is open Information is openly exchanged inside the organization through the establishment of regular town hall meetings, forums, and communication channels This transparency fosters cooperation and a feeling of purpose [Wired 2017]

g Ongoing Education and Growth:

The business makes investments in the education and training of its staff members, promoting ongoing education Because of this dedication to skill development, the workforce is more adaptable and can keep up with changing industry trends and technological advancements [Yadav, S 2023]

h Global Workforce:

Google employs people from all around the world, making up a diversified and international workforce This variety fosters innovation by adding to a rich reservoir of viewpoints and ideas [Google 2021]

i Performance-Based Culture:

Google's workforce is recognized for their contributions and operates under a performance-based culture When people aim to be the best at what they do, it fosters a collaborative but competitive environment [Entrepreneur, 2020]

3 Organisational Culture

a Examination of Google's organizational culture

Google, one of the tech giants, is renowned for its exceptional organizational culture While many associate Google with perks like free meals and on-site amenities, there are deeper reasons behind its success Let’s delve into why Google’s corporate culture stands out [Paulise, L 2021]:

● True Flexibility:

Google understands the importance of employee flexibility It allows Googlers to work on their terms, fostering creativity and productivity

Employees have the freedom to explore different work styles within the company’s environment

● The Freedom To Be Creative:

Google creates a workplace that doesn’t feel like work Despite long hours, it maintains a creative and enjoyable atmosphere

Perks, environment, and flexibility contribute to this positive culture

● A Fun Environment:

Google creates a workplace that doesn’t feel like work Despite long hours, it maintains a creative and enjoyable atmosphere

Perks, environment, and flexibility contribute to this positive culture

● The People And Their Expertise:

Beyond amenities, it’s the people who make Google great

Their expertise, collaboration, and innovative spirit drive the company’s success

b How the culture complements the organizational structure

As mentioned previously one of the main reasons for Google's success as being a highly innovative company is an alignment between structure and culture The keywords that can be used to describe Google's organizational culture are innovative, open, and social Not to forget that the main belief that Google's culture follows is that people are the most important assets in the organization

Now let's have a look at the main characteristics that make up Google's culture These are Openness

- Google's culture encourages employees to share knowledge and ideas [Carol Sanford, 2014]

● Innovation - Google's culture strongly encourages employees to be innovative in whatever they

do To encourage innovation, Google supports risk-taking and offers financial rewards for successful innovations

● Excellence - Google's culture is built around the expectation that every employee can achieve excellence To achieve this, the company offers further education and training programs to employees so they continue to improve and achieve exceptional results at work

● Hands-on approach - Google's culture follows the concept that employee development is best accomplished through on-the-job training Therefore, Google supports experimental learning and encourages risk-taking as it is believed to encourage innovation

● Social - Google's culture encourages employees to communicate between departments and to make social connections Informal relationships between employees not only make sharing ideas easier but also improve employees' well-being

c Impact of Google's culture on employee motivation and performance

The Guardian (2014) offers a response to this query when it notes that Google’s way of motivating its

employees leads to the development of more innovative products Employees become more entrepreneurial in their work Google’s strategy reduces operation risks in the organization

The company’s organizational culture is unique It focuses on enhancing social links between

employees and the leadership Smithson (2015) argues that the theory indicates that when an organization establishes a strong alignment between its structure and its culture, the chances of success increase Such a benefit is evident in the case of Google Company The company experiences a continuous expansion of its product lines, which are accompanied by business prosperity Hence, today’s immense growth of the company and its market leadership may be related to synergistic outcomes of establishing a proper link between its structure and culture

It groups its employees based on their functional responsibilities Typical functional divisions of the company include sales, marketing, and software engineering design It also groups employees based on