James S. O'Rourke, Brynn Harris and Allison Ogilvy
This paper examines the communication strategies organization, and tactics of Google as corporate executives and staff planned and began executing the company's global expansion…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper examines the communication strategies organization, and tactics of Google as corporate executives and staff planned and began executing the company's global expansion strategy with entry into the Chinese market.
Design/methodology/approach
The paper takes the form of a case study.
Findings
To do business in the Chinese market, Google had to comply with Chinese Government censorship restrictions. The company's decision to do so was announced in the wake of Google's very recent refusal to provide user information to the US Government case against child pornography. Wall Street's response confirmed the profit potential of the venture, as the company's share price rose 3.6 percent in just one day, and continued rising to record heights. However, the company's announcement brought strong reaction from the press and human rights organizations. Within days, headlines were screaming across the USA and around the world, accusing Google of abandoning its principles in pursuit of profit.
Originality/value
Mass media in the USA and throughout the developed world heaped scorn and criticism on Google for its decision to censor searches from its servers inside China. Various NGOs took up the drumbeat of criticism, implying that Google could not be trusted with personal data, including search topics. At the same time, however, Wall Street continued to reward the company with a seemingly endless streak of record share price postings. The question appears simple: does the pursuit of profit in the developing world trump the need for ethics and values in business operations?
Details
Keywords
The purpose of this paper is to review the latest management development across the globe and pinpoint practical implications from cutting‐edge research and case studies.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to review the latest management development across the globe and pinpoint practical implications from cutting‐edge research and case studies.
Design/methodology/approach
This briefing is prepared by an independent writer who adds their own impartial comments and places the articles in context.
Findings
Is it worth making business with China at any cost? Complying with Chinese government censorship has caused Google a great deal of reputation damage. Google's image as an innovative company with media appeal and firm principles has been tarnished. Google's attempts at justifying its strategy have failed to convince. Instead Google is facing the consequences of new legislation in its own country and yet another dilemma in China.
Practical implications
Provides strategic insights and practical thinking that have influenced some of the world's leading organizations.
Originality/ value
The briefing saves busy executives and researchers hours of reading time by selecting only the very best, most pertinent information and presenting it in a condensed and easy‐to‐digest format.