Abstract

This case discusses the changes in sexual harassment and misconduct policies at US-based tech giant Google LLC. (Google) in 2018. An article published in the New York Times exposed how Google had shielded some top executives accused of sexual misconduct and also paid them massive severance payouts over the years. The article detailed many other culture related issues in the company. Following the article, Google employees worldwide staged a walkout demanding an end to Forced Arbitration in cases of harassment and discrimination for all current and future employees, a commitment to end pay and opportunity inequity, and a clear, inclusive process for reporting sexual misconduct safely and anonymously. Finally in November, 2018, Google agreed to revamp the company’s sexual harassment policies. Google ended the practice of forced arbitration for claims related to assault and harassment. Following Google, many other companies like Facebook, Airbnb, and eBay also geared up to curb the forced arbitration policy.

Learning Objectives

The case is structured to achieve the following Learning Objectives:

• Understand the concept of arbitration and forced arbitration.
• Analyze the effect of forced arbitration on employees.
• Examine the advantages and disadvantages of arbitration.
• Evaluate the lessons that companies can take from the labor movement.

Keywords

Organizational culture; Discrimination; Personnel Policies; Sexual harassment; grievances; dismissing employees; Google Inc.; Forced Arbitration; Bro-Culture; Employee Walkout; Reforming policies