Sears: Traditional Organizational Behavior Management
Management Techniques:
1. Hierarchical Structure: Sears has traditionally employed a hierarchical organizational
structure, where decision-making is centralized, and there is a clear chain of command.
2. Performance Metrics: The company relies heavily on traditional performance metrics
such as sales targets, efficiency ratios, and other quantitative measures.
3. Standardized Procedures: Sears emphasizes standardized procedures and policies to
ensure consistency and control across its operations.
4. Top-Down Communication: Communication flows from the top management down to
the employees, with limited feedback loops from the bottom up.
5. Employee Roles: Roles and responsibilities are clearly defined, with little room for
cross-functional tasks or job rotation.
Google: Innovative Organizational Behavior Management
Management Techniques:
1. Flat Organizational Structure: Google employs a relatively flat organizational
structure, encouraging open communication and collaboration across all levels of the
company.
2. Holistic Performance Metrics: Instead of just focusing on quantitative metrics, Google
also considers qualitative aspects such as employee satisfaction, creativity, and
innovation.
3. Flexible Procedures: Google promotes flexibility in procedures, allowing teams to adapt
and innovate as needed. This includes the famous "20% time" policy, where employees
can spend 20% of their time on projects, they are passionate about.
4. Open Communication: Communication at Google is highly encouraged at all levels,
with numerous channels for feedback, including regular town hall meetings and Q&A
sessions with top executives.
5. Dynamic Roles: Employees at Google often have dynamic roles, with opportunities for
cross-functional projects, job rotation, and continuous learning and development.
Key Differences
1. Organizational Structure:
o Sears: Hierarchical, with clear lines of authority and decision-making centralized
at the top.
o Google: Flat, promoting open communication and collaboration across all levels.
Management Techniques:
1. Hierarchical Structure: Sears has traditionally employed a hierarchical organizational
structure, where decision-making is centralized, and there is a clear chain of command.
2. Performance Metrics: The company relies heavily on traditional performance metrics
such as sales targets, efficiency ratios, and other quantitative measures.
3. Standardized Procedures: Sears emphasizes standardized procedures and policies to
ensure consistency and control across its operations.
4. Top-Down Communication: Communication flows from the top management down to
the employees, with limited feedback loops from the bottom up.
5. Employee Roles: Roles and responsibilities are clearly defined, with little room for
cross-functional tasks or job rotation.
Google: Innovative Organizational Behavior Management
Management Techniques:
1. Flat Organizational Structure: Google employs a relatively flat organizational
structure, encouraging open communication and collaboration across all levels of the
company.
2. Holistic Performance Metrics: Instead of just focusing on quantitative metrics, Google
also considers qualitative aspects such as employee satisfaction, creativity, and
innovation.
3. Flexible Procedures: Google promotes flexibility in procedures, allowing teams to adapt
and innovate as needed. This includes the famous "20% time" policy, where employees
can spend 20% of their time on projects, they are passionate about.
4. Open Communication: Communication at Google is highly encouraged at all levels,
with numerous channels for feedback, including regular town hall meetings and Q&A
sessions with top executives.
5. Dynamic Roles: Employees at Google often have dynamic roles, with opportunities for
cross-functional projects, job rotation, and continuous learning and development.
Key Differences
1. Organizational Structure:
o Sears: Hierarchical, with clear lines of authority and decision-making centralized
at the top.
o Google: Flat, promoting open communication and collaboration across all levels.
