Keeping Google Googley

What were the key factors behind Google’s early success?

I believe the reason why Google has made such a big impact in the internet landscape today is its strong focus on being customer-centric. Google created a product designed for real users. According to the case, Google made an emphasis on understanding what the user means and to give back exactly what the user wants. In addition, the management and founders of Google set a strong vision about information access. They set the vision and made sure its employees understood the vision and live the vision in their daily work. With this, management took hiring and recruitment seriously by investing a lot of energy into trying to hire the right people who exhibit the “Google culture.”

To summarize, Google made its mark by ensuring that the user was always top of mind in everything that they do. They also made sure that the people working for the firm are happy and well-rounded who fit perfectly into the Google organization.

What are five words that you think would each describe Google’s culture? What “artifacts” or evidence points you to these conclusions?

Innovation – Google encourages creativity and out-of-the-box thinking. This is evidenced by how the Googleplex is structured. The office space is not the typical conventional working area we are all accustomed to. The workspace includes sports and lifestyle amenities to encourage flexibility and free thinking.

Entrepreneurial – Google encourages its employees “to think and act like an owner.” With a flat organization, each employee can easily talk to the CEO or anyone from top management to share his insights or ideas for the benefit of the firm. They instill in the employee’s minds that every employee is a hands-on-contributor and everyone is essential for Google’s success.

Teamwork – Google takes pride in hiring of employees who exhibit the Googley culture. The company spends a lot of time hiring individuals who will fit well with one another. Google...