Gupta Deepak
Gupta Deepak
agement
Analyzing Google’s HR policies, performance manage-
ment as a benchmark for industry impact and adapta-
tions
Deepak Gupta
MASTER’S THESIS
May 2024
Tampereen ammattikorkeakoulu
Tampere University of Applied Sciences
Master’s Degree in International Business Management
International Business
Deepak Gupta
Strategic Human Resource Management
Analyzing Google’s HR policies, performance management as a benchmark for
industry impact and adaptations
Google's human resource (HR) practices play a vital role in negotiating the
complexity of international talent acquisition, retention, and development. This is
because the global growth environment is a dynamic terrain. The direction of
this thesis is to analysis the distinctive strategies that Google uses in order to
recruit and cultivate elite talent across a range of cultures and regulations.
This study examines the influence that data-driven recruitment, innovative on-
boarding and learning efforts, and employee-centric policies have on the devel-
opment of a global workforce that thrives on cultural intelligence and coopera-
tion. This thesis shed light on the problems and accomplishments involved with
managing a diverse workforce, overcoming regulatory concerns, and develop-
ing a globally inclusive workplace culture.
The findings indicate thorough framework for understanding how Google's hu-
man resource strategies enable the company's success in international busi-
ness. This framework will offer significant insights to Devikrupa corporation to
improve their own global talent management practices. This research makes a
contribution to the continuing conversation about the changing role of human
resources in the context of international business. It highlights the significance
of adaptability, decision-making that is driven by data and a strong focus on
employee well-being in the process of achieving sustainable growth and innova-
tion in a globalized world.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
CHAPTER 1 INTRODUCTION ........................................................................... 5
CHAPTER 2 THESIS PLAN................................................................................ 6
2.1 Thesis topic .............................................................................................. 6
2.2 Thesis objective, purpose and research questions .................................. 6
2.2.1 Objective ........................................................................................ 6
2.2.2 Research question and sub- questions? ........................................ 7
2.2.3 Sub Questions................................................................................ 8
2.3 Concept of theory..................................................................................... 8
2.3.1 Employee relation and engagement ............................................... 9
2.3.2 Human resources in International Business ................................. 12
2.3.3 HRM for firms operating in international markets ......................... 16
2.4 Working methods ................................................................................... 17
2.5 Thesis process ....................................................................................... 20
2.6 Commissioner information ..................................................................... 21
CHAPTER 3 HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGEMENT IN GOOGLE ................... 24
3.1 Overview of Google’s HR policies .......................................................... 24
3.2 Recruitment and selection process ........................................................ 27
3.3 Training and development programs ..................................................... 30
3.4 Performance management system ........................................................ 34
3.5 Compensation and benefits ................................................................... 38
CHAPTER 4 CHALLENGES IN HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGEMENT IN
INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS ..................................................................... 43
4.1 Cultural differences ................................................................................ 43
4.2 Language barriers .................................................................................. 47
4.3 Employee mobility and relocation .......................................................... 50
4.4 Managing diversity and inclusion ........................................................... 54
4.5 Performance management as benchmark for industry .......................... 58
CHAPTER 5 RESEARCH AND ANALYSIS OF HRM ....................................... 60
5.1 Aligning HR strategies with business goals ........................................... 60
5.2 Developing cross-culture competence ................................................... 64
5.3 Implementation effective communication and collaboration ................... 69
5.4 Final assessment ................................................................................... 71
5.5 Conclusion and recommendation........................................................... 72
REFERENCES ................................................................................................. 75
4
HR Human resource
HRM Human resource management
5
CHAPTER 1 INTRODUCTION
Its Human Resource Management policies and practices have been gen-
erally acknowledged as being among the finest in the world, giving signif-
icant insights into how to manage HR in an international corporate set-
ting.
6
2.2.1 Objective
1. What are the Strategic HRM policies, procedures that Google imple-
ments in its international business and recruitment process for new
ones?
vestigation of the HRM practices that Google employs in its many inter-
national businesses. Students, business managers, and HR profession-
als who are interested in learning about the challenges and best prac-
tices of managing HR in international company will find the conclusions
of this study to be valuable. (Roumpi, D. 2017).
This study will analyse the data on the basis of employee benefits from
Google Company, HR policies that are benchmark for Devikrupa Corpo-
ration for implementation of effective HR practices in firm. Scrutinize ac-
ademic publications for theories and frameworks applicable to interna-
tional HR practices. Examine case studies, particularly those focused on
Google, to extract real-world examples.
Category Benefits
19
Financial
- Competitive compensation
wellbeing
Family sup-
port and - Fertility and growing family support
care
20
- Caregiver leave
- Elder care and support
- Backup childcare
- Survivor income benefit
Table 2 Schedule
Start End
Week Task details
Date Date
International markets.
21
15 Submission.
This Research will Enable them To Establish and implement Better Hu-
man resource Management Policies, Application of Best Practices of Hir-
ing right Candidates based on knowledge, experience and talent. Offer-
ing Training and Development, Lowering the attrition rate, offering vari-
ous Employee and social Benefits and maintain work culture in company
for long term perspectives. Similar to the philosophy that can be ob-
served at Google, Devikrupa Corporation has a strong awareness of the
importance of employee wellbeing. Devikrupa Corporation can get vital
insights to enhance its own products by reviewing Google's employee
benefits programme. When it comes to employee welfare, Google takes
a holistic approach that spans health, financial stability, work-life balance,
family support, community engagement, and personal development.
Devikrupa Corporation is able to not only recruit and retain top talent but
also prioritise the wellbeing and progress of its employees by research-
ing and adopting components of Google's employee benefits pro-
gramme. This will eventually result in a more prosperous and successful
organisation.
24
Benefits representative
Performance administration
Development representative
Recruitment process
Job posting, getting competitors, screening, and meeting are just a few of
the processes that make up the recruitment process. It is possible to con-
duct the recruitment process internally or remotely.
Job posting
Screening
Meeting
During the talking stage, candidates that have been shortlisted will be in-
vited to a meeting. Face to face, through video conferencing, or over the
phone are all viable options for conducting this conference. During the
meeting, the hiring committee will have the opportunity to determine
whether or not the candidates are qualified for the position and will ask
them pertinent questions about their experience, capabilities, and abilities.
The candidates will be evaluated, and then the most feasible option for
completing everything will be selected. this is part of the selection process.
During the course of the selection process, it's possible that you'll be
asked to direct additional meetings, actually look at references, and lead
historical verifications.
29
Assessment
Additional meetings
It's possible that the hiring team may have more meetings to do further
evaluations of the candidates. The further meetings can include panel in-
terviews, which include many people evaluating the applicant at the same
time through a series of questions.
Verification of references
When conducting reference checks, it should get in touch with the candi-
dates' officials so that it can verify their professional history, job responsi-
bilities, and any other relevant information. Reference checks provide as-
sistance to the hiring process by confirming the candidates' data and
providing information on the candidates' work ethics and performance.
(Saini, D. S. (2010).
Individual verifications
which are the job advertising, the acquiring of competitors, the screening,
and the meeting. During the selection process, the candidates are evalu-
ated, and the best possible candidate for the position is chosen based on
a number of factors, including their previous experience, capabilities, and
abilities, as well as how well they mesh with the culture of the organisa-
tion. The successful attraction and retention of the best possible candi-
dates for available positions may be facilitated for an organisation by me-
ticulously managing the recruitment and selection process.
The company Google is famous for its innovative culture as well as its ob-
ligation to representative development. One of the ways that Google
demonstrates its commitment to this obligation is through the extensive
training and development programmes that it offers. These projects have
the goal of assisting employees in acquiring new skills and knowledge,
growing both professionally and skill, and expanding their vocations. In the
following discussion, it will analyse the many training and development
programmes that are made available by Google.
The fact that Google's training and development programmes are accessi-
ble all across the world is another important aspect of these programmes.
Google has operations in more than 190 countries throughout the globe,
and its training and development programmes are designed to be acces-
sible and effective for all employees, regardless of where they are located.
Google employs a variety of methods, such as providing virtual training
meetings, translating training materials into a number of different lan-
guages, and cooperating with local organisations to deliver training con-
tent, accomplish this goal.
The training and development programmes that Google offers are an es-
sential component of the success and culture of the company. Google
creates a workforce that is talented, connected with, and focused on pro-
gress and greatness by investing resources in the growth and develop-
ment of its employees. This workforce is focused on advancement and
greatness. Because the company places such a strong emphasis on
learning through experience, mentorship, technology, and estimation, its
training and development programmes are among the most innovative and
effective on the entire planet. by expanding its obligation to representative
development beyond its own workforce, Google is helping to shape the fu-
ture of education and workforce development in a more extensive manner.
This is an important contribution to the company's mission.
34
As it helps to align representative efforts with the overall goals of the or-
ganisation, performance management is a fundamental component of any
organisation. It is well known that Google's performance management sys-
tem is one of the most advanced and powerful in the world. Google is one
of the largest and most innovative organisations in the world. There will be
discussion of Google's performance management system, as well as an
examination of the ways in which this system aids the company in achiev-
ing its strategic goals.
The performance management system that Google uses also keeps track
of areas of strength for diversity, equality, and consideration (DEI). The
company is of the opinion that propels innovation and makes success in
the commercial world, it is essential to have a diverse and complete work-
force. Enhance diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), Google has imple-
mented a variety of initiatives, including as unconscious bias training, di-
versity enlistment projects, and representative asset meetings. the organ-
isation persistently monitors and reports on the progress it has made to-
wards achieving its DEI goals. This practise contributes to the company's
ability to provide reasonable assurance that it is making considerable suc-
cess in this area. (Purcell, J. 2011).
38
One of the challenges that Google has faced with its performance man-
agement system is the possibility of favouritism and subjectivity in the
evaluation process. The company has taken a few precautions to ensure
decency and neutrality in an effort to reduce the risk associated with this
gamble. For example, Google makes use of a normalised performance rat-
ing scale, and directors are prepared to evaluate employees in light of
specific, observable ways of behaving and achievements. the company
makes use of alignment meetings, during which administrators review and
discuss team members' performance assessments ensure that evalua-
tions are consistent and appropriate across all teams.
perks offered by Google, as well as the contribution that each one makes
to the overall success of the company. (Mayrhofer, W. 2012).
Compensation
It is well known that Google provides its employees with wages that are
higher than expected as well as additional financial incentives. The com-
pany has a compensation plan that is based on performance, which
means that employees' pay is determined by how well they individually
execute their jobs and how committed they are to the success of the com-
pany. The salaries offered by Google are, on average, greater than those
offered by other technology companies, and the company provides a vari-
ety of additional financial advantages to attract and retain top talent.
Possibly the most significant benefit that Google can provide is access to
various investment opportunities. Investment possibilities are made avail-
able to workers as part of their total compensation packages. These
chances can become a considerable asset over the course of time as the
stock price of the company continues to rise. Chances for investment,
Google also provide employees with prizes that are tied to the individual
and team performance of each employee. These awards may be quite
substantial, and they serve as a powerful incentive for employees to do
well in their positions. (Debrah, Y. A. (Eds.). 2013).
Benefits
native employees with meals and snacks at their offices, which contributes
to the promotion of a lifestyle that is both healthy and inexpensive. Google
is committed to promoting the personal and professional development of
its employees. The company encourages its employees to pursue their
own passions by providing them with many opportunities for personal time,
flexible work schedules, and paid vacations. Google provides its employ-
ees with access to a wide range of learning and development pro-
grammes, such as online classes, workshops, and meets. Another benefit
that sets Google apart from other companies and organisations is the im-
portance that the company places on diversity and thoughtfulness. Un-
derrepresented groups can receive assistance from the company through
a variety of different projects and resources, such as worker asset gather-
ings, mentoring projects, and diversity training. These efforts contribute to
the creation of a more all-encompassing and consistent working environ-
ment, which is to the benefit of all of the employees.
ing top talent, which helps to ensure the continued growth of the company.
(Cascio, W. F. 2018).
The obligation that Google has to diversity and consideration clearly im-
pacts the company's performance manner. Google is able to take ad-
vantage of a wider variety of perspectives and ways of thinking because to
the establishment of a more all-encompassing working environment, which
in turn contributes to the company's ability to foster innovation and creativi-
ty. The obligation that Google has to diversity and consideration helps the
company work towards improving its position and brand image. It does this
through providing assistance to groups who are underrepresented in
Google's workforce. In today's socially conscious world, a large number of
consumers and financial backers are looking for organisations that place a
strong emphasis on diversity and thoughtfulness in their business practis-
es. Google is able to attract customers and financial backers who share its
values and beliefs if it demonstrates that it is committed to these qualities
and acts on those obligations. A culture of continuous learning and im-
provement is fostered through Google's emphasis on worker development
and learning.
42
Google is able to keep its employees interested in their work and motivat-
ed by providing them with access to a wide variety of learning opportuni-
ties and useful open doors. This leads to much higher levels of worker sat-
isfaction and productivity, which, in turn, contributes to the growth and
success of the company. (Chan, C. H. 2015).
The compensation and benefits packages offered by Google are not just
geared towards luring and retaining the best talent. This is another im-
portant point. These packages give an idea of the company's qualities as
well as its obligation to its employees. Google is sending a clear message
that it appreciates and regards its employees by investing resources in the
welfare and development of its workforce. This contributes to the estab-
lishment of a pleasant and robust working environment, which plays a sig-
nificant role in the degree to which representative spirit and job satisfaction
are impacted.
procedures comply with the regulations and standards that are specific to
their region. (Saini, D. S. 2010).
The cultural differences that exist in international company can also have
an effect on the practises that govern compensation and perks. In certain
cultures, such as Japan's, the emphasis may be placed on long-term job
stability and consistency, but in others, such as the United States, com-
pensation is more commonly tied to an individual's level of performance.
Cultural differences in attitudes towards benefits, such as healthcare, re-
tirement, and vacation time, can have an effect on how compensation and
benefits are typically practised. The minimum wage that is allowed by legal
regulations and the amount of retirement benefits that are guaranteed by
the government differ from country to country. Other legitimate require-
ments for compensation and benefits also vary. To protect themselves
45
In organisations all over the world, language barriers can present a signifi-
cant challenge. Communication is now more important than ever thanks to
globalisation, the expansion of world-wide organisations, and collaborative
activities. When there are language barriers present, it can be challenging
for organisations to work effectively and honestly. This can be especially
true in international settings. The following is a selection of the ways in
which linguistic barriers can have an effect on organisations operating on
a global scale.
Miscommunication
Cultural contrasts
Language encompasses not just words and punctuation but also culture.
Individuals who are interested in other people's norms of behaviour can
48
When there are language barriers present, there is a possibility that peo-
ple will turn off opportunities to work with others who speak different lan-
guages because of such barriers. Because of this, the available pool of
talent for critical jobs may be reduced, which may have a negative impact
on the organisation. This might hinder the organization's ability to enter in-
to new business sectors or collaborate with partners in foreign countries.
Language training
Technology
The effect that language barriers have, organisations can work on improv-
ing their communication. This might include using language that is easy to
understand, avoiding the use of jargon, and making use of visual cues to
assist in the process of passing on information. For organisations operat-
ing throughout the world, linguistic barriers may be quite challenging. Mis-
communication, inefficient communication, cultural differences, limited
possibilities, and increased expenditures are just a few of the ways in
which language barriers may affect an organisation. However, there are a
few options available, such as language training, translation services,
50
Cultural differences are one of the most significant challenges that come
with worker mobility and relocation. When a person moves to a new na-
tion, they are almost certainly going to encounter cultural differences,
which may have an effect on their abilities to adapt to their new environ-
ment. Linguistic barriers can make it challenging for employees to com-
municate with their co-workers, and cultural differences in attitudes regard-
ing one's role in one's workplace and one's private life can create chal-
lenges for employees who are accustomed to a variety of different norms.
HR professionals have a responsibility to be aware of these cultural differ-
ences and to work towards ensuring that employees are adequately pre-
pared to investigate them. The legal and administrative environment in di-
verse countries is another test of worker mobility and relocation. It is not
uncommon for the laws and principles governing migration, commerce,
and the collecting of taxes to be difficult to understand and substantially
different from one nation to the next. It is the responsibility of HR profes-
sionals to be aware of these standards and to ensure that employees ad-
51
The effect on the worker's loved ones is another criterion that must be sat-
isfied before representational mobility and relocation can be approved.
Moving to a new country may be a significant upheaval for families, partic-
ularly if they are leaving behind friends, family, and the natural environ-
mental aspects they are accustomed to. HR professionals have a respon-
sibility to be aware of the impact the relocation will have on the repre-
sentative's family and to provide assistance and resources to help the fam-
ily adjust to the new environment. Finally, the mobility of workers and the
relocation of workers can be expensive for organisations. Travel, accom-
modation, and other expenses associated with relocation may quickly
mount up. These expenditures need to be meticulously managed by HR
specialists to ensure that they stay within budget and that the company is
making a return from its investment in the endeavour. Overcome these
challenges, HR professionals will need to develop a comprehensive repre-
sentative mobility and relocation strategy that addresses each of the
aforementioned concerns. This strategy has to include guidelines for pick-
ing employees for global jobs, training and support for employees and
52
One such way is to arrange the organisations so that they have relocation
specialists on staff. These vendors are able to provide a hand in the or-
ganisation of logistics, the provision of transportation, and several other
aspects of worker relocation. This strategy has the potential to ease the
burden placed on HR workers while also ensuring that employees receive
the assistance they require.
This is one of the most important aspects of representative mobility and re-
location. A few employees might need more help than others, contingent
upon their own conditions and the idea of their job. HR professionals
should have the option to adjust approaches and systems to meet these
singular necessities, guaranteeing that all employees get the help they
need to prevail in their new environment. Worker mobility and relocation is
a critical test in worldwide human resource management. In any case, with
cautious preparation, communication, and management, HR professionals
can conquer these difficulties and guarantee that employees and their
families are sufficiently ready and upheld in the meantime. By giving cul-
tural training, language courses, brief lodging, and other fundamental re-
sources, organizations can assist employees with adjusting to their new
environment all the more effectively and guarantee that they are agreeable
and ready to zero in on their work. Eventually, by supporting worker mo-
bility and relocation, organizations can get close enough to new business
sectors and ability pools, empowering them to stay cutthroat in the present
worldwide business environment.
54
Generalizing
but rather as members of a certain group. This shift in perspective can re-
sult in a lack of integration and division between people. In the workplace,
HRM should be working to eliminate generalisations and promote singular-
ity as much as possible.
Cultural contrasts
Human resources (HR) strategies are flawlessly integrated with its entire
business goals. HR is transformed from a strictly administrative role into a
strategic partner that propels the company ahead as a result of this im-
portant alignment, which functions as the bridge between an organization's
strategic goal and its effective implementation. The leaders of human re-
sources must first have a complete grasp of the business strategy in order
to take the first step towards achieving this alignment. Analysing the or-
ganization's mission, vision, and both short-term and long-term goals is a
necessary step in this process. HR professionals are able to establish key
performance indicators (KPIs) and metrics that evaluate success across a
variety of departments if they immerse themselves in the strategic
roadmap of the company. With the use of this newly acquired information,
human resources are able to transform business goals into precise and
practical HR objectives. It is possible that the human resources strategy of
a company will centre on acquiring and keeping top talent in crucial growth
areas if the company's strategy is to increase its market share in the future
year. The development of focused recruiting efforts, the reworking of
onboarding procedures to guarantee that newly hired employees are swift-
ly integrated and productive , the implementation of competitive compen-
sation and benefits packages to build employee loyalty are all actions that
might be taken in this regard. (Robinson, J. 2005).
After the HR strategy has been put into action, it is necessary to proceed
with continuous assessment and evaluation. The Human Resources de-
partment is able to monitor progress and pinpoint areas that need im-
provement when they develop specific metrics for each HR effort. The
business goals that these metrics are intended to serve ought to be close-
ly related to these metrics. The Human Resources department may, for in-
stance, keep track of metrics like turnover rates, employee engagement
scores, and the amount of time it takes to fill new jobs if the objective is to
promote employee retention. The Human Resources department is able to
evaluate the success of their programs and make necessary modifications
by analysing the data given to them. In the constantly shifting environment
of the business world, this on-going feedback loop guarantees that the
human resources strategy will continue to be applicable and influential. It
is a continual process that needs a deep grasp of the strategic vision of
the organization, a thorough assessment of the workforce, and a commit-
ment to continuing communication and evaluation. Aligning HR strategies
with business goals is a process that is on-going. The Human Resources
department has the potential to change itself from a reactive department
into a proactive partner that contributes to the growth and success of an
organization if it adopts this strategic approach. By building a culture of in-
novation and engagement, which propels the business towards achieving
its full potential, this alignment gives human resources the ability to recruit,
develop, and keep a workforce that is among the highest performers in the
industry. (Alankari, H. A. 2015).
for its current workforce. Simulations, case studies, or guest lectures that
centre on recognizing and understanding cultural differences in the work-
place might be examples of what this could include. Because of this, the
dynamics of the team are improved, and the environment becomes more
welcoming.
Global Work Teams: Establishing project teams with a diverse mix of na-
tionalities enables employees to cooperate across cultures, which in turn
fosters communication skills and an understanding for different points of
66
view. This has the potential to result in creative ideas as well as a deeper
comprehension of the interconnected global market. (Ngoc L. 2021).
Data
2021 2022
Race / Ethnicity
Americas Asian+ 21.8% 23.3%
(non-U.S.)
Black or African+ 3.9% 4.9%
African+
Gender
Americas Women 31.0% 33.4%
(non-U.S.)
Men 69.0% 66.6%
Drives productivity and innovation inside the company. Google enables its
employees to communicate easily across geographical borders by utilizing
a number of communication methods like as email, instant messaging
platforms, video conferencing, and internal social networks. This facilitates
the exchange of information and the development of teamwork. A culture
of transparency and inclusion is fostered at Google, where employees are
encouraged to openly express their thoughts and ideas. This helps to cul-
tivate a sense of belonging and collective ownership among the workforce.
70
back, has the potential to improve trust and collaboration inside the organ-
ization. Devikrupa Corporation is able to overcome language barriers and
cultivate a workforce that is more cohesive by implementing training and
development programmes that are centred on improving communication
skills and fostering cross-cultural understanding. It can be stated that good
human resource management practices are comprised of essential ele-
ments such as effective communication and collaboration. These elements
enable organizations to accomplish their strategic goals and engage their
employees. Companies like Devikrupa Corporation may learn from such
best practices and adapt them to their own specific organizational settings.
While Google acts as a standard for introducing new communication and
collaboration mechanisms inside HRM, other companies like Devikrupa
Corporation can also learn from similar best practices. Organizations may
improve collaboration and prepare the road for ongoing growth and suc-
cess by prioritizing the use of communication technology, developing an
open culture, and investing in employee development. (Sunnapwar, V.
2016).
In the final assessment for research and analysis for a thesis that com-
pares the Human Resource Management (HRM) practices of Google and
Devikrupa Corporation, it is vital to dive into numerous aspects in order to
develop conclusions that are useful. The human resource management
strategy of Google demonstrates that the company places a significant fo-
cus on employee empowerment, innovation, and a distinctive organiza-
tional culture. "Innovative HR practices," "employee empowerment," and
"organizational culture" are some of the keywords that are essential to this
analysis. High levels of employee satisfaction and retention are partially
attributable to the well-known benefits offered by Google, which include
free meals, on-site gyms, and flexible work hours. However, due to the fact
that Devikrupa Corporation is a smaller business, it may place a higher
72
REFERENCES