wac - we googled you
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we googled youTRANSCRIPT
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An analysis of the case
We Googled You
A report submitted toProf. Madhusri Shrivastava
In partial fulfilment of the requirements of theWritten Analysis and Communication course
By
D Srirama Samdhathri - 2013PGPUAE012
On the 1stof April, 2014.
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Memo of TransmittalTo: Prof. Madhusri ShrivastavaFrom: D. Srirama Samdhathri, 2013PGPUAE012Date: 1
stApril 2014
Subject: Submission of the Written Analysis and Communication report on the
case We Googled YouDear Madam,As per your instructions, I have prepared a report analysing the dilemma
faced by Fred Wensten, the CEO of Hathaway Jones on hiring MimiBrewster, and the course of action that can be taken.It is recommended that Fred hire Mimi for Hathaway Jones China operation,
given the strong credentials and skills of Mimi.The following pages present a detailed analysis of the situation, an evaluation
of the different alternatives available, recommendation, the plan of action and
a contingency plan.
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Executive Summary:
This case depicts dilemma of Fred Westen, CEO of Hathaway Jones, who isplanning to expand the company in China, whether or not to hire Mimi
Brewster. Mimi, according to him is the most suitable candidate for the
business expansion. But, her strong credentials become questionable after
Fred leans from Virginia Flenders, the vice president of human resources,
finds out through Google results that Mimi had been actively involved in a
non-violent protest against China in the past.It is now for Fred to decide what should be done about hiring Mimi, keeping
the benefits and losses of hiring/not hiring a potential candidate.
It is recommended that Fred should hire Mimi for China operations ignoring
her online history, as Mimi, according to Fred is the most suitable candidate
for the job.
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Table of Contents:Executive Summary: 3Situation Analysis 5Problem statement 5Options 5Criteria 6Evaluation of Options 6Recommendation 7Action Plan 7Contingency plan 7
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Situation AnalysisFred Wensten, CEO of luxury apparel retailer Hathaway Jones has planned
to expand the firm into China, knowing that the luxury goods market in China
was growing by 70% annually. Mimi Brewster, the daughter of Fred`s old
roommate, John Brewster, wanted to be part of the plan.Mimi has majored in modern Chinese history and graduated cum laude from
Berkeley. Adding to this, Mimi had grown up in China and spoke Mandarin
and a local dialect. This impressed Fred and he told Mimi that he would
arrange some interviews.Virginia Flanders was the vice president of human resources at Hathaway
Jones. For new recruits, she would to scan the first 11 pages of Googleresults and on Page 9 for Mimi, she found out that Mimi had been a leader of
a non- violent but vocal protest group against the World Trade Organization.
On searching further, Virginia found a story featuring a photo of Mimi sitting
outside China`s San Francisco consulate protesting China`s treatment of a
dissident journalist. Virginia showed these articles to Fred, implying that Mimi
could be a trouble for the company in its Chinese operations.Now, Fred is in dilemma whether to hire Mimi or not.
Problem statementWhat should be done by Fred about hiring Mimi, a potential candidate whose
history when checked dint turn up very impressive?
Options1. Hire Mimi as lead for the project, ignoring her online history2. Do not hire Mimi.3. Hire Mimi, not as the lead for the project, but as a regular team member4. Hire Mimi, and give her another position in the organisation, but not in
China
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Criteria1. Hiring a potential candidate
2. Legal issues arising from hiring Mimi.3. Reputation of the company in China.4. Impact on Hathaway Jones growth in China.5. Support of Chinese government for Hathaway Jones.Evaluation of Options1. Hire Mimi as the project lead, while ignoring her online history: A candidate
like Mimi, with good credentials can deliver a very good result, and hiring
her as a project lead, will leave her with more responsibility and perform
better. History of the candidate would not have a great impact on the kind
of work she would be doing in China. Hiring a potential candidate wouldincrease the growth potential in China. But, due to access of the
information across the globe, support from the Govt. of China is a
question; also there is a possibility of having an impact on the companys
reputation.2. Do not hire Mimi: If Mimi is not hired, there could be an opportunity loss for
the company as a substitute with similar skills is difficult to find, and hence
a not so positive impact on the growth of the company in China. On the
other hand, with this step taken, there wouldnt be any impact on the
reputation of the company, and also a support from the government can beexpected.
3. Hire Mimi, not as the project lead, but as a regular team member: If Mimi is
hired as project lead, full responsibility of Chinese operations cant be
imposed on Mimi, and hence, complete skill set of Mimi cant be utilised.
Also, there is a possibility of having an impact on the companys
reputation.4. Hire Mimi, and give her another position in the organisation: Exercising this
option will benefit the company with her creativity and skills required in the
apparel business and will also make sure that a good candidate is not lost.
Since she is not given the responsibility of Chinese actions there will be no
harm caused to reputation of the company in China
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RecommendationFred should hire MIMI as the project lead, while ignoring her online history.
This help the company leverage on bring Mimis skills and expertise in the
companys expansion plan in China.Action Plan1. Fred should set up a meeting with Mimi along with Virginia and know what
Mimi has to say about it and accordingly design her job responsibilities.2. To minimize the political and legal reaction in China, Mimis history should
not be disclosed.Contingency planIn case of any political and legal reaction, it should be discussed with Mimi,
and she should be relocated to another country. This way a potential
candidate is not lost, and at the same time, a platform would be laid forHathaway Jones in China.