It is clear that the leaders of Google comprehend the importance of strategic management and the effects it has in a competitive environment. In fact, it is evident from the strategic direction they have been moving in that the firm has developed effective strategies to help them continue to achieve successful outcomes. Coulter (2010) explained that in a business arena, competition exists everywhere because every firm in business wants to succeed and earn a top position in their marketplace (Coulter, 2010). For example, when other search engines like Bing and Ask.com entered the marketplace, Google knew it had to work harder to maintain its position at the top and many agree they have done an impressive job to remain there.

Needless to say, the Google story is a fascinating one. Rees-Mogg (2007) described the data technology firm as a $150 billion company that was developed to use powerful mathematical systems to search for information. They have been so successful that their site boasts a half a billion visitors every month. In fact, in 2007, CEO, Eric Schmidt, stated that from all the data they gather from consumers, the company will have accumulated enough information to give them the capacity to act as each individual’s intimate personal adviser (Rees-Mogg, 2007). That fact is both impressive and alarming. Google claims their mission is to organize the world’s information and make it globally useful and accessible. But many are concerned that the strategic direction they are headed in will rob citizens of something they value more than anything … their privacy.

In conclusion, the findings of my research on the Google Company reveals substantial evidence of an effective management team who developed efficient operating systems to guide the strategic direction of the firm. In addition, they have achieved high performances, successful outcomes, and maintain a strong position in the global marketplace. Based on my analysis, the recommendations I would make for the firm is that they continue on the innovative trajectory they are on. However, I would also caution that with great power comes great responsibility. Because of all the personal data they collect from their users, without implementing a strategic direction that includes a strong ethical culture, this scenario sets a stage that is ripe for a gross abuse of power. In other words, under the management of leaders that engage in behavior of misconduct, acts of greed, and deception, their technological capabilities can also serve as a tool to cause destruction and harm to others. Let’s hope the leaders at Google do not sell out to the likes of those who aspire to achieve outcomes like a Lex Luthor.

That’s it for this week. Let’s have a great weekend everyone … and keep organized in the process!

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“When a person really desires something, all the universe conspires to help that person to realize his dream.” ― Paulo Coelho

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References:

Coulter, M. (2010). Strategic management in action (5th ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson Education, Inc.

Rees-Mogg, W. (2007, Ma 27). How Google wll satisfy all our lives. Mail on Sunday, 63.