Google is grappling with several challenges as it expands into a 100,000-employee company, similar to those Microsoft faced 25 years ago. One such challenge is maintaining innovation and creativity. With growth, companies often become bureaucratic, stifling originality and risk-taking, key drivers of innovation. Google’s solution has been to adopt a ‘20% time’ policy, allowing employees to spend 20% of their time on personal projects, though this is becoming harder to implement as the company grows.
Another issue is retaining talent. Larger organisations can struggle to provide the same opportunities for personal growth and recognition that smaller ones can, leading to employee dissatisfaction and high turnover rates. Google combats this with a strong company culture, competitive salaries, and attractive benefits, but retention remains a challenge.
Google also faces the problem of managing an increasingly diverse product portfolio. As the company expands into new areas, it risks losing focus and spreading resources too thinly. Microsoft faced similar issues, resulting in a shift towards cloud computing and a more focused strategy.
Finally, Google must navigate the complex regulatory environment and public scrutiny that comes with being a large corporation. This includes dealing with antitrust allegations, privacy concerns, and tax issues. Microsoft faced similar challenges, leading to a major antitrust lawsuit in the late 1990s.
In conclusion, Google’s growth brings both opportunities and challenges, many of which mirror those faced by Microsoft in its early years.
Go to source article: http://www.quora.com/What-are-the-best-examples-of-growing-pains-that-Google-now-faces-as-it-grows-into-a-100-000-employee-company-that-Microsoft-also-faced-25-years-ago/answer/Olga-Chotinun