Google in China

Google in China (A)

Case Study Pre-brief

1. Objectives

1. Respond when core values are at odd over the policies of the host government
2. Challenges of business-government relations in an emerging economy
3. Assess reactions of various stakeholders in a crisis
4. Develop various scenarios regarding resolution

1. Analysis

1. Why did Google issue the January 12th statement

1. Assess pros and cons of Google’s statement
2. Speculate on how Google’s dispute with the Chinese government will play out.
3. Catalyst

1. Apparent sophisticated hacking effort originating in China
2. Directed at G-mail accounts of Chinese dissidents

1. Should such attacks go unanswered?
2. Who issued the statement?

1. What did the statement say
2. What did the statement NOT say

1. Can Google take comfort in stakeholder reaction (so far)

1. Yes / No?

1. Stock price
2. Impact on competitors
3. Chinese customers
4. Western multinationals in China – cost of doing business?

1. Reaction by Chinese authorities
2. Reaction by US Government
3. Media response

1. Do you expect Google to exit China?

1. Reasons for exiting
2. Reasons for staying
3. Other options
4. What will happen next?

1. Your recommendation