International Human Resource Management Assignment on Google and Zappos' Organizational Culture

Assignment
On
International Human Resource Management
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Table of Contents
Introduction.............................................................................................................................................3
Assignment Task 1:..................................................................................................................................3
Google’s Organizational Culture and How it Improve Employee’s Productivity......................................3
Zappos’ Work Culture and How it Improve Employee’s Productivity......................................................6
Assignment Task 2:..................................................................................................................................9
Pre-Departure Training Program:............................................................................................................9
Assignment Task 3:................................................................................................................................12
American Versus Japanese Human Resource Management Practices:..................................................12
Explain the starkly different approaches of Mazda and Chrysler in light of International HR strategies?
...............................................................................................................................................................12
Compare the cultural differences prevalent in America and Japan that may have influenced the
decisions taken at Mazda and Chrysler.................................................................................................14
Assignment Task 4.................................................................................................................................17
Global Staffing Policies..........................................................................................................................17
References.............................................................................................................................................20
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Introduction
International Human Resource Management might be stated as a group of tasks focused on
handling administrative human resources on global standard to attain administrative aims as well
as attain economic benefits across rivals on global as well as national level demonstrated by
Butler and Callahan (2014). Blake and Moulton (1962) stated that IHRM comprises distinctive
HRM operations like hiring, selection, development, and training, dismissal and performance
appraisal done on global level as well as extra activities like expatriate management,
international skills administration, and much more. In this assignment, we will critically compare
and analyze the worker friendly workplaces of Google in Switzerland, Brazil, China, and USA as
well as how such offices have contributed for carrying out the more productivity among their
workers. We will also review the culture of work at Zappos office as well as apply identical steps
in company. The assignment also aims on designing a pre-departure training program in case of
British family shifting to UAE. Through this assignment, we will also come across the starkly
unlike methods of Chrysler and Mazda with reference to global HR strategies. It will also help in
evaluating the traditional differences established in Japan and America, which might have
affected the choices implied at Chrysler and Mazda along with carrying out international staffing
schemes.
Assignment Task 1:
Google’s Organizational Culture and How it Improve Employee’s Productivity
A company’s culture is the most significant feature of a firm’s success. The method an
individual chooses for establishing a particular type of culture within the firm is the most
essential part when it comes to how their employees are functioning through you and for you
so as to lead your company towards success. The Organizational culture of any firm, be it big
or small will eventually affect the welfare of the company as a whole and if, one does not
hire persons who have the same ideas, morals, integrities and principles as that of the
company, the employees are likely to leave the place quickly. There is a huge misconception
amongst people about good salary packages being the sole reason for employees to be
inspired to work, however this is not true at all. The productivity will enhance only when the
employee feels like he is a piece which fits perfectly in the puzzle which is the company. It is
human nature, if you are appreciated and valued enough; you will yourself want to give back
for all the respect you are receiving by giving your best to the specified person, which is
why if everyone starts cherishing their employees, they are most likely to become creative
and operative.
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Google as we all know, is a multinational company which is based in America that
particularizes in facilities and goods relating to the Internet like promotion tools, search
engine, and many others. All (2007) stated that it is a renowned fact that Google’s work
culture is different from that of any typical corporate company. Lashinsky (2007) stated that
it is ranked as one of the top companies to have the happiest employees all over the world.
One does not need to study thoroughly into this matter as you can easily make this out by just
having a glance at the photos inside their offices, which looks to be more like a playground
for adults rather than a work place because of the numerous amenities they offer specifically
for their clients to make their offices one of the most employee friendly places in the world.
As Google is operating all over the world now, it has spread out its office in many parts of
the world including some of the top countries like China, Brazil, USA, Switzerland and many
more. Making a place amongst one of the top companies to have the happiest employees is a
big achievement and it also requires a lot of work, which is why Google has hired people
specifically for the purpose of keeping their employees contented like personal trainers,
doctors, masseuse, etc. which in turn also results in improved productivity. Cosser (2008)
stated that this factor can also be counted as one of the main reasons behind Google’s
successful endeavors as studies show that boosting staffs affects the efficiency of the
employees in a progressive manner. To explain the enhanced productivity of the employees
at Google over the years, a comparative study will be done between the Google offices in
USA, China, Brazil, and Switzerland.
As shown in the video, one can learn a lot about the work culture at the various offices of
Google in different countries. To start with the original global headquarters of Google in
California, USA, known as Googleplex, it is shown to offer numerous perks to its employees
including a huge range of restaurants which serve different kinds of cuisines from Indian to
Asian, ethnic to junk food, everything one could possible imagine. There are a total of
eighteen cafes in this building alone that serves a huge variety of foods at all times, breakfast,
lunch and dinner. The best part about this service is that all of it is free and one can even get
barbeque during summers. Google, USA, has quite a health approach towards its employees
which is why they grow their own food inside their campus and also have a café dedicated to
serving only this locally grown organic food. On top of these basic meals, they also offer
munchies like candies, fresh fruits, etc. which are within the reach of every employee’s desk
making them accessible for all. Googleplex also has facilitated a fully equipped gym for its
workers with personal trainers to give them the right fitness advice and help them keep in
shape. They have a doctor’s clinic as well which does not charge them a penny, just built for
the employee’s well-being. The employees can even take their dirty laundry to work and get
them washed through their on-site Laundromats. Google also offers free massages to its
employees given by expert masseuses and sleeping pods as well for nap time. Their
employees never have to take a day off for errands as Google itself provides them with time
and cars to make a run for their errands and get back to office. In Bello Horizonte, Brazil, the
employees don’t get sleeping pods but even better, multiple hammocks for napping. To add
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the fun element, Google’s office in Beijing, China conduct meetings in bean bags and not
office chairs. With over ten micro kitchens facilitated with ping pong tables for recreation,
the employees can take a break from work over here. But when it comes to the most exciting
workplaces, Zurich, Switzerland tops the list as they have entertaining means to move
between floors like fireman poles and slides. They also have escapist facilities like lounge
with an aquarium full of exotic fishes and a Victorian Library to relax their minds and give
them a fresh air of change. The employees can also get their own privacy through the
hundreds of various pods that are themed differently.
By reviewing these different offices and their various facilities offered specially for their
employees, it can be easily said that Google is definitely particular about enhancing their
employees’ happiness and they invest a good amount in staff support which indicates the rise
in contentment of workers ultimately leading to enhanced productivity. Tanaka (1993) stated
that the driving force is said to be that more contented employees utilize their time more
efficiently, thereby enhancing the work speed without compromising with the quality. A
couple of robust studies have also shown that treating employees well accomplishes better
outputs as the employees strive towards giving their best to the company which is handling
them so well. This is exactly what Google has been doing and is renowned for, by following
policies aimed to advance the well-being and happiness levels of their workers to make their
workplace employee friendly and full of amenities. While looking after the emotional health
of their employees, Google has increased its employee’s productivity by at least 12% and is
commended for its unique approach towards work culture.
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Zappos’ Work Culture and How it Improve Employee’s Productivity
Zappos’ is a fast-growing company that has earned a name for itself not only for selling
clothes and shoes but for its excellent customer service and a distinctive corporate culture.
The workers at this company have themselves admitted repeatedly what a great place it is to
work in because of its unique corporate culture. The firm is well-known for highlighting the
fun part in their workplace and making it different from other firms. They believe in being
weird and have set an example for other firms that workplaces need not be boring and typical
to get work done; on the contrary a little fun plus weirdness can go a long way in the
contentment of the employees. Zappos’ tagline plus its principal feature is to “Deliver Wow
through service” and they have been successful in doing so by rendering their brilliant
service to masses of consumers globally. The ten core values of Zappos’ are given below:
Figure 1: Zappos Core Values (Source: What is the Internal Culture like at Zappos?)
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