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Case Details

Case Code: HROB185
Case Length: 20 Pages 
Period: 2015-2017     
Pub Date: 2017
Teaching Note: Available
Price:Rs.600
Organization : Alphabet Inc
Industry : Technology Industry
Countries : US 
Themes: Organizational Structure  
Organizational Design  
Organizational Behavior  
General Management and Strategy  
Case Studies  
Business Strategy
Marketing
Finance
Human Resource Management
IT and Systems
Operations
Economics
Leadership & Entrepreneurship

Alphabet Inc.: Reorganizing Google

 

ABSTRACT

 
The case discusses the restructuring of global technology giant Google Inc. as it takes on a holding company structure that separates its highly profitable search and advertising business from its non-core “other bets”. The new slimmed down Google will focus primarily on its core search business with many of its former subsidiaries being spun off under the aegis of a parent holding company named Alphabet Inc. (Alphabet). The case discusses the rationale behind the move and how it had become inevitable for Google to opt for a change in its structure as it pursued potentially new businesses in industries far from its search-engine roots. The case highlights the benefits of the reorganization to the company, its employees, customers, and shareholders. The reform is likely to breathe new life into the company by making its investments and spending on research transparent and allowing for cleaner operations and more accountability while keeping investors happy. Though Google’s decision to restructure itself with a holding company has been lauded by investors, it is a risky bet that may create some problems for the company down the road. .. .
 
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Issues

The case is structured to achieve the following teaching objectives:
  • Understand key issues and concepts in reorganizing and the strategy behind Google’s restructuring.
  • Understand the strategy/structure relationship.
  • Understand the pros and cons of a holding company structure.
  • Discuss and debate whether Google’s reorganization efforts will bear fruit for the company.
  • Examine the future strategy of Alphabet.
Contents
INTRODUCTION
BACKGROUND NOTE
WHY GOOGLE BECAME ALPHABET
THE A TO Z OF ALPHABET
A GOOD MOVE?
CRITICISM
INITIAL RESULTS
CHALLENGES
THE ROAD AHEAD
EXHIBITS

Keywords

Organizing; Reorganizing; Organizational structure; Organizational design; Holding company structure; Matrix structure; Functional structure; Restructuring; Corporate transparency; House of brands; Strategy/structure relationship; Innovation; Investor relations

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