WAC - We Googled You

5/28/2018 WAC - We Googled You

1/7

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.


2/7

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.


3/7

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.


4/7

Table of Contents:Executive Summary: 3Situation Analysis 5Problem statement 5Options 5Criteria 6Evaluation of Options 6Recommendation 7Action Plan 7Contingency plan 7


5/7

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


6/7

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


7/7

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.

Documents

WAC - We Googled You