Company Profile

What is the purpose of the organization? Include a mission statement.

Google began as a start up company to create technology that would improve individual’s lives. The founders, Larry Page and Sergey Brin, set out with the idea that if they make their employees wealthy enough they may not have to keep working, but choose to because they believe in the organization. The founders also believed that this was the right thing to do, not for their own profit, but for all those hired. Google also strives to care and motivate their employees with incentives that will influence them to carry out this purpose in their own lives (Phelps). The mission statement for Google is “Organizing the world's information and making it universally accessible and useful” (About Google).

What is the organizational culture?

Google tries to preserve an open-minded cultural differentiation by developing hands-on workmanship making everyone comfortable with sharing ideas and opinions. Google’s organizational culture is structured with the following bases: open, innovative, hands-on, smart with an emphasis on excellence, and supportive of small-company family rapport. Based upon psychological safety and the matrix organization culture, group members should feel free to express themselves openly. The overall ambiance at the company’s offices is warm because the firm’s organizational culture maintains a small-company-family feel, people can easily talk and share ideas with each other, including CEO Larry Page. Thus, Google’s organizational culture supports excellence in innovation through sharing of ideas and capability to rapidly respond to the market (Smithson, 2015). “Although Googlers share common goals and visions for the company, we hail from all walks of life and speak dozens of languages, reflecting the global audience that we serve” (Our Culture). Google opened several companies in several different countries to explore the different demographics that other countries value.

What does the company value?

“Focus on the user and all else will follow”- Google is very user centered and they focus on keeping things simple and easy to understand.

“It’s best to do one thing really, really well”- Google’s main focus is search.

“Fast is better than slow”- They are dedicated to getting the user the information in a quick manner; always keeping speed in mind.

“Democracy on the web works”- Google uses a variety of techniques to see which sites are “voted” to have the best content value by the users.

“You don’t need to be at your desk to need an answer” - They work to keep things mobile and moving. Users are able to access information on the go whenever and wherever they want.

“You can make money without doing evil” - The only ads allowed on the results page are those that are relevant to the search result itself. They do not allow pop-up advertising and want to keep any advertising simple. Google always makes sure to identify an advertisement as a “sponsored link” in order to avoid manipulating the user. No company can buy a better “PageRank” which would result in a higher placement of their website on the results page.

“There’s always more information out there”- Google is constantly working to add more information and bring all of the world’s information to users to access.

“The need for information crosses all borders”- The company was founded in the U.S., but they give access to people all over the world in every language, possibly making it easy for every user to find what they need.

“You can be serious without a suit”- Google creates a casual atmosphere. They believe that “great, creative things are more likely to happen with the right company culture."

“Great just isn’t good enough”- They use “great” as a starting point rather than an endpoint. They set high goals and always stretch further than previously expected to reach those goals. They anticipate users’ needs and work to find solutions to any problem that could possibly arise (Ten Things We Know to be True).

What are the company themes?

“What we do for you”

Google’s co-founder Larry Page originally wanted to create the “perfect search engine.” This to him meant that the search engine“understands exactly what you mean and gives you back exactly what you want.” Since then, Google has advanced and become much more than just a search engine, but through all of the features they offer, the one common theme is to find the information consumers need and to get it done effectively and efficiently. Google wants to ultimately better themselves in order to better and make people’s lives easier.

“What we do for businesses”

Google’s main theme for their service to businesses is for those businesses who use Google to succeed on and off the web through their tools and search engine. While Google’s services are the “backbone” of their own company, these services also give other companies and entrepreneurs the chance to grow themselves as well. Google also helps businesses grow and find customers through their various advertising programs.

“What we do for the web”

Google’s theme for what they do for the web is to make the web an overall better place. To them, this means constantly creating new products to make the internet simpler and faster for people. They also do things like supporting renewable power and using resources efficiently for the betterment of the environment. Google wants to be constantly evolving itself and the web overall (Our Products and Services).

What is the working relationship like?

For the employees at Google, the working relationships are very supportive. Google takes into consideration that their employees are qualified in their work and from many unique backgrounds. However, if a new hire does not have prior knowledge the company is looking for in a specific area, the new employee is able to take classes to improve their skills. With over 57,000 individuals that work for them, this organization offers many amenities that suit the fast paced employees who also devote numerous hours per week in their work. A few of the services that are offered are as follows: free laundry, food, onsite doctors, and much more. As part of this organization there is plenty of opportunity to increase pay as well. With 84% job satisfaction, it shows that Google does well to accommodate for their employees and provide a comfortable atmosphere. They allow all employees to have a voice in their company using their Google-O-Meter and even encourage them to use their creativity on projects that might not even be theirs throughout the work week (Phelps).

What does a typical workday involve?

Such a thing as a typical workday does not exist at Google. From the research, we can say that every day is unique and different. Mostly it starts off with free breakfast at the multiple cafes. Then a brainstorming meeting is usually called to go over what is going to happen for the day. The meeting length varies from one to three hours. After that employees can eat free lunch. The benefits at Google are amazing. If employees need to take a nap, Google provides special silent rooms. After lunch the employees usually go back to work and commit their time there until they are done for the day. Another unique feature about Google is that they do not have required working hours. Employees can come and go as they please, just as long as they get their work completed (Bort) (The Daily Muse Editor).

How does the company feel about families?

Google states that they offer retirement saving plans, death benefits, as well as parental leave policies. They even allow family members to come into work. They’re statement is “Your family matters to you, so they’re important to us, too”(Google Careers). Following employee's death, Google gives their spouse 50% of their salary every year for the next ten years. Google also gives same sex partners extra cash for their partners health benefits (Phelps).

What type of communication networks are in place?

Google has many different networks of communication among its some 57,000 plus employees. Google has a service called "Google Groups" and this allows people to have discussion groups among people who share common interests (Google Groups). Some informal patterns of communication that involve Google is that information crosses all borders because of there desire to provide information to the entire world and in every different language (Our Culture). Another informal pattern is that Google focuses on the users and takes great care of their browser that will serve users. Also, creating many different apps, docs, email, maps, ext. that allows other businesses and organizations to communicate effectively.

List of facts about the company that a prospective employee would need to know.

Google keeps an open environment and hands-on policies in order to encourage all employees to share ideas and opinions. (Kim)
Google focuses on learning ability rather than GPA when hiring a new employee. (Bulygo)
Google works to recognize even the smallest of accomplishments in order to further motivate their employees. (Kim)
Google gives you freedom and flexibility. Coming into the office is never a requirement and you always have the option to work from home. (Martin)
Google provides employees with 20% of “free time” where you are able to focus on your own projects. (Martin)
Google’s original name was “BackRub.” (Our History in Depth)
On August 16, 2013, Google went down for 5 minutes and within that time the global internet traffic dropped 40%. (Svetlik)
Every minute there are 2 million searches typed into Google. (Woollaston)
Google’s first investor Andy Bechtolsheim gave 100,000 to the company before it even existed. (Google Through the Years)
Google’s first employee Craig Silverstein was hired on October , 1999. (Google Through the Years)

A list of interview questions that would make a prospective employee appear prepared if he/she asked them.

What expectations do you have for the employee who is hired for this position?
Is there any special training or classes that I could take that would better prepare me for the job?
Can you walk me through a typical workday for someone in this position at Google?
Where do you see Google in five years?
What is the most important thing I can accomplish in the first month of working here?
What is your favorite part about working here at Google?
What’s the most difficult problem you’ve had to overcome while working here at Google?
Is it true that Google favors ability over experience in their workforce?
With Google having many overseas locations, would I have to travel for work?
I see Google just came out with a new cell phone. Do you see Google adding a cell phone, tablet, and computer market in the future?
Why did you choose to work at Google?
What is your credibility in terms of your work for this company?
What would you say is Google’s strongest asset?
What would you say is Google’s weakest asset?
If chosen to work for this company, what types of opportunities would I be offered?
What is the next step in the hiring process?
If I have any more questions who should I contact?
Will you contact me even if you don’t plan on hiring me?
How will you measure my performance while working for Google?
Who will I report to?

Other sections that are appropriate.

Google offers a large number of products that fall under categories such as web, mobile, business, media, specialized search, home, office, and social. These products include:

Web Search- Search millions of different web pages fast and easily.
Tool Bar- You can add a search bar to your browser which helps find search items faster. Web-browsing tools will also make searching easier.
Google Chrome- A browser that was built for speed, simplicity, and is also free to download. Google Chrome allows you to personalize your own chrome.
Mobil- You can navigate your phone with Google Maps to create apps for Android. Google has teamed up with Android, making an Android community allowing fans to meet and get the latest updates.
Search For Mobile- You can locate your missing phone with Find Your Phone.
Maps For Mobile- You can locate your current location and get directions to wherever your destination may be.
AdWords- This allows business people to create ads and put on Google to reach out to there customers. Search ads appear next to the Google search results when people are searching for products and services that you may offer. Display ads are ads that you can reach people through web and in apps across different devices. Video ads broadcast your story and are only offered to people you want and will pay to watch them. App ads are considered to be a simple way to promote your app to iOS and android users on Google.
Google Cloud Platform- Includes Google maps, Android, Chrome and G Suite. A huge platform to upload company documents.
AdSense- It is created to help you earn money for placing ads on your website. Also to create competition for millions of advertisers.
Analytics- They can turn insights into action and to turn insight into total view of the customer experience.
G Suite- A customizable place for businesses to get docs, email, storage, and more all in one area.
Google My Business- An easy way for a business to get their phone number, address, business hours, etc. in a place that customers can view quickly when searching for a company.
AdMob- A way to make money from apps.
Google Domains- Where businesses can go to buy a domain name and create a website.
YouTube- People can come here to watch, upload, and share videos.
Books- An online library where you can search for books and read full versions online.
News- A place to find the latest news. People can search thousands of articles and read them online.
Google Photos- You can upload and share your photos across all of your devices. You can create albums and organize photos by people, places, and things.
Google Play- Lets you access your music, movies, books, and any Android apps wherever you are.
Image Search- Easy way to search and find images on the web.
Video Search- Easy way to search and find videos on the web.
Google Cardboard- A virtual reality simulator.
Maps- Users can view different maps and get directions to any destination.
Panoramio- A photo sharing showcase where users can upload their own photos that are geographically tagged.
Earth- Users can use satellite and aerial images to explore the earth. It is a virtual globe and map.
Custom Search- Users can customize the look of search results and get additional features to match their business style.
Finance- Get information on businesses that includes news, charts, summaries, etc.
Trends- Users can see what is trending across all subjects and topics.
Google Shopping- Users search to gather information and prices and allows them to shop right within the search without having to go to the actual website.
Scholar- A search specifically for scholarly papers and articles.
Gmail- Google’s own email server.
Docs- Multiple people can create, edit, and share information and documents all at the same time.
Slides- Multiple people can create, edit, and share presentations between one another.
Drawings- Users can share drawings, diagrams, and charts among multiple users.
Calendar- Users can organize and create their own schedule and share among friends and other users.
Voice- Users can make texts from their computer and pick up calls from anyone, listen to voicemail, call internationally, and use email all from their computer.
Google Cloud Print- Users can print from any device. They can also print anything they want and send it to any cloud-connected printer.
Google Store- The Google store is where customers can shop online for products offered by Google.
Google+ - It is primarily a blogging and social platform with a chance to check out and meet other users with similar interest.
Groups- Is a service that Google offers that creates discussion groups for people that share common interest for teams, individuals, and organizations.
Drive- Users create and share work online between members in the group/organizations. Allows smart editing and styling tools to help make the format. This device also auto saves all the time so the users work is never lost.
Sheets- Helps create the best spreadsheet for the users' need from budgets, schedules, and other spreadsheets that are needed.
Forms- Users can plan events, make surveys, give quizzes, and collect information in and easier way.
Sites- It is a free and easy way to create and share your webpages.
Translate- User can instantly translate text, web pages, and files with up to 50 different languages.
Wallet- You can make your cell phone your wallet. Users can send and receive money from anyone is the US through email or a cell phone number. It sends the money directly from your credit or debit cards.
Google Keep- Users can save what's on their mind, add pictures, videos, and add notes to them whenever.
Hangouts- Connect anytime with voice or video calls, add up to 10 people, users can sync their conversations so they can take them anywhere.
Blogger- It is free and allows people to create a professional blog on a budget. This also helps you familiarize yourself with the main parts of a blog.
Spaces- This is an app for small group sharing by finding and sharing articles and videos (Products).

Bibliography

“About Google.” (2016). Retrieved from http://www.google.com/intl/en/about/products/

Bort, J. (2014). This is a typical workday for a pampered google engineer. Business Insider. Retreived from http://www.businessinsider.com/a-typical-day-for-a-google-engineer-2014-12

Bulygo, Z. Inside Google's Culture of Success and Employee Happiness. Retrieved from https://blog.kissmetrics.com/googles-culture-of-success/

“Google Careers.” (2016). Retrieved from

https://www.google.com/about/careers/how-we-care-for-googlers/

“Google Company.” (2016). Retrieved from

https://www.google.com/about/company/products/

“Groups - Company.” (2016). Retrieved from https://groups.google.com/forum/?hl=en#!overview

Kim, Jihoon. (2015). 7 Secrets of Google's Epic Organizational Culture. Retrieved from https://www.officevibe.com/blog/7-secrets-of-googles-epic-organizational-culture

Martin. (2015). The Google Way of Motivating Employees - Cleverism. Retrieved from https://www.cleverism.com/google-way-motivating-employees

“Our Culture – Company.” (2016). Retrieved from https://www.google.com/intl/en/about/company/facts/culture/

“Our History in Depth.” (2016). Retrieved from https://www.google.com/about/company/history/.

Phelps, Stan. (August). Cracking Into Google: 15 Reasons Why More Than 2 Million People Apply Each Year. Retrieved from http://www.forbes.com/sites/stanphelps/2014/08/05/cracking-into-google-the-15-reasons-why-over-2-million-people-apply-each-year/#5a34a3e36c63

Smithson, Nathaniel. (2015). Google's Organizational Structure & Organizational Culture - Panmore Institute. Retrieved from http://panmore.com/google-organizational-structure-organizational-culture

Svetlik, Joe. (2013). Google goes down for 5 minutes, internet traffic drops 40%. Retrieved from https://www.cnet.com/news/google-goes-down-for-5-minutes-internet-traffic-drops-40/

“Ten Things We Know to Be True – Company.” (2016). Retrieved from https://www.google.com/about/company/philosophy/

The Daily Muse Editor (2016). A day in the life of a Google engineer. The Muse. Retrieved from https://www.themuse.com/advice/a-day-in-the-life-of-a-google-employee

“Timeline - Company.” (2016). Retrieved from http://www.google.com/intl/en/about/company/timeline//

Woollaston, Victoria. (2013). Revealed, what happens in just one minute on the internet: 216,000 photos posted, 278,000 Tweets, and 1.8m Facebook likes. Retrieved from http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-2381188/Revealed-happens-just-ONE-minute-internet-216-000-photos-posted-278-000-Tweets-1-8m-Facebook-likes.html