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Google: a Study in Human Resources

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Google: a Study in Human Resources
Abstract Appearing in the 100 Best Places to Work for the third consecutive year, Google has become quite a human resources (HR) phenomenon. With numerous articles and studies having been done on them, other companies beginning to follow similar methodologies are on the rise.
The company is best known for having developed its own HR function that has helped set it apart in the workforce. Their main focus and reason for a successful organizational culture lies in maximizing employee productivity. They also create an environment in which their employees are encouraged to express new ideas and even receive the training and development they desire. Not only does the company provide their employees with great opportunities in personal and career growth, they also back it up with exceptional benefit packages. The company is also known for their extraordinary plethora of benefits and perks. Picture free gourmet meals, weekly car washes, a gym and playroom to enjoy during some down time and stress relieving massages while at work. This is a reality for Google employees. These and many more reasons described in the following pages, highlight why Google is worthy of a Study in Human Resources.

Google: A study in Human Resources
Since its creation, the term “Google” has truly revolutionized searching capabilities in the World Wide Web. Today, it is known as one of the most popular and powerful search engines in all of cyberspace. As a technological phenomenon, Google is king. As a company, Google follows the same core values of greatness by proving to hold both its users and employees on a pedestal. With a philosophy of “Great just is not good enough” (Philosophy, n.d), it is no surprise this organization goes above and beyond the norm to satisfy their external and internal customers. The saying “the customer is always right” rings true in Google with their drive to develop the best possible product for their users; the same also goes for their employees.



References: Anonymous. (2008, September). Google’s lessons for employees: Put your employees first [Electronic version] Benefits, (n.d.). Retrieved on August 19, 2010 from http://www.google.com/intl/en/jobs/lifeatgoogle/benefits/index.html Bernard, T. S., (2010, June 30). Google to add pay to cover a tax for same-sex benefits. The New York Times Company overview. (n.d.) Retrieved on July 22, 2010 from http://www.google.com/corporate/index.html Culture. (n.d.) Retrieved on July 22, 2010 from http://www.google.com/intl/en/corporate/culture.html Delaney, K.J., (2006, October 23). Google adjusts hiring process as needs grow [Electronic version] Dennis, J. (2007, March). The 20% solution [Electronic version]. Profit, 26(1), 25. Fortune’s “100 best companies to work for. (n.d.). Retrieved on August 15, 2010 from http://www.google.com/jobs/lifeatgoogle/fortune/ Frequently asked questions (n.d.) Retrieved on August 2, 2010 from http://investor.google.com/corporate/faq.html Hansell, S. (2007, January 3). Google answer to filling jobs is an algorithm. New York Times. Lashinsky, A. (2007, January 22). Search and enjoy [Electronic version]. Fortune 155(1), 70. McKeough, K. (2008, March). Best places to work: The best of the best google [Electronic version]. Crains Chicago Business, 31(9), 22. Miller, S Resource Management. Retrieved on July 26, 2010 from http://www.shrm.org/Publications/HRNews/Pages/FlexibilityLeadstoInnovation.aspx Our philosophy. (n.d.) Retrieved on July 22, 2010 from http://www.google.com/intl/en/corporate/tenthings.html Pohlman, R.A. & Gardiner, G.S. (2000). Value driven management: How to create and maximize value over time for organizational success Prasso, S. (2007, October 23). Google goes to india. Fortune. Retrieved on August 22, 2010 From http://money.cnn.com/2007/10/18/news/international/google_india.fortune/index.htm Raphael, T. (2003, March). At google, the proof is in the people [Electronic version]. Workforce, 83(3), 50-51. Regan, K. (2006, December 13). Google gives employees stock option flexibility. E-Commerce Times Sullivan, J. Dr. (2007, November 19). Search google for top hr practices. Workforce Management Shutan, B. (2007, March 2). Googling to new heights. Human Resource Executive Online Retrieved on July 28, 2010 from http://www.hreonline.com/HRE/story.jsp?storyId=9966380 The ManageMentor. (2009, July 6). Google unravels the formula behind its invincible team.. [Web log post]. Retrieved on July 24, 2010 from http://howtomanagehumanresources.blogspot.com/2009/07/google-unravels-formula-behind-its.html The Staff of the Corporate Executive Board. (2009, December 11). “Involve your employees,” says google, ceb: A culture of involvement drives employee engagement and success. Bloomberg Businessweek. Retrieved on July 23, 2010 from http://www.businessweek.com/managing/content/dec2009/ca20091211_675764.htm Whelan, Carolyn. (2008, Octover, 17). Google 's chief of environmental policy explains strategy. New York Times. Retrieved on August 26, 2010 from http://www.nytimes.com/2008/10/18/business/worldbusiness/18iht-wbspot18.1.16975079.html Willock, R

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