We Googled You

CASE REPORT

Submitted to:
Prof. Swatantra
Course: Written Analysis and Communication
Indian Institute of Management, Indore

Submitted by:
Shivangi Singh
2019PGP386
PGP 2019-21

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 LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL

Prof. Swatantra

Communication Department

Indian Institute of Management, Indore

Indore, 453556

Date: 12th November,2019

Dear Prof. Swatantra,

As a part of the Written Analysis and Communication course at Indian Institute of Management, Indore, I
am hereby enclosing my case report entitled, “We Googled You”.

The report includes the facts and situation analysis of the dilemma faced by Fred Westen of whether to hire
Mimi in the company or not in the light of her controversial online history. After evaluating various options
on the basis of certain criteria discussed in the report, I have given a specific recommendation and the action
plan to deal with the problematic situation.

I hope that you find the report satisfactory.

Regards,

Shivangi Singh

2019PGP386

Section F

PGP 2019-21
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

TABLE OF CONTENTS

SITUATION ANALYSIS ............................................................................................................................ 4

PROBLEM STATEMENT ........................................................................................................................... 4
ALTERNATIVES......................................................................................................................................... 4
EVALUATION CRITERIA ......................................................................................................................... 5
EVALUATION OF ALTERNATIVES........................................................................................................ 5
RECOMMENDATION ................................................................................................................................ 6
IMPLEMENTATION PLAN ....................................................................................................................... 6
CONTINGENCY PLAN .............................................................................................................................. 6

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SITUATION ANALYSIS
Hathaway Jones, a luxury apparel retail chain in the US had fallen on tough times due to the changing
tastes and preferences of the customers. Fred Westen, CEO of the company had been appointed to revive
the dying image of the company. In order to restore the image of the company Fred had ambitious plans
of expanding his Philadelphia based company into China. The Chinese economy showed promising
prospects because the market for luxury goods was booming. Fred wanted to select a winning team to
make the China plan a huge success.

One of Fred’s old roommate, John Brewster had heard about Fred’s expansion plan and suggested that
her daughter, Mimi would be a good fit for this job.

However, Virginia Flanders, the vice president of human resources raised a red flag about Mimi when she
conducted a background check on her through Google. Google searches identified her as a leader of a
non-violent group that had helped mobilize campaigns against the World Trade organization and the
Chinese government.

She made Fred aware about the issue and highlighted the legal implications that could arise due to such
Internet searching practices.

This placed Fred in a dilemma about hiring Mimi in the company. On one hand she could prove to be a
valuable asset to Hathaway Jones which could help the company grow its business. On the other hand, if
such an information came into the hands of the wrong people the China plan could get completely
derailed.

PROBLEM STATEMENT
In the light of the recent findings about Mimi’s online history, what should be the future course of action
taken by Fred Westen?

ALTERNATIVES

1. Hire Mimi for US operations and make her a part of the strategic team for China operations which
does not require her on ground presence
2. Hire Mimi for China Operations and leverage her capabilities
3. Reject Mimi for the position without letting her know the reason for the same

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EVALUATION CRITERIA
1. Growing business for the company
2. Stance of the Chinese Government
3. Legal Implications

EVALUATION OF ALTERNATIVES

Hire Mimi for US operations and make her a part of the strategic team for China operations which
does not require her on ground presence

o Growing business for the company: Mimi can prove to be a valuable asset to the company due to
her impressive qualifications and past experience in retail. Her understanding of the Chinese culture
and fashion trends can be further leveraged by the company to make a huge positive impact on the
sales.

o Stance of the Chinese Government:

o
o Legal implications:.

Hire Mimi for China Operations and leverage her capabilities

o Growing Business for the company: Having Mimi placed in China will provide a chance to the
company to leverage the rare skills and knowledge she possesses. The company would be in a better
place to take decisions. Her proficiency in Mandarin and the local dialect can also enable her to
connect with the customers and ultimately grow the business and make the expansion plan a huge
success.

o Stance of the Chinese Government:

o Legal Implication: This alternative would not lead to any legal complications for the company

Reject Mimi for the position without letting her know the reason for the same

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 o Growing Business for the company:

o Stance of the Chinese Government:

o Legal implications: There could be legal and privacy implications of internet searching practices if
Mimi finds out that she was merely rejected on the basis of a google background check.

RECOMMENDATION
Based on the evaluation of the above options, it is recommended that the company should hire Mimi for
the US operations where she would also be entrusted with the responsibility of China operation’s strategy
planning and decision making. This role would not involve her on ground presence and would be limited
to back end operations.

IMPLEMENTATION PLAN

CONTINGENCY PLAN
If the action plan fails Westen should try to look for a suitable alternative for Mimi. Even though candidates
like Mimi are hard to find there is a possibility that if a big company like Hathaway Jones advertises for
their job opening, they can attract extremely qualified and experienced candidates. After a thorough
background check on the online history of the candidate, he/she can be recruited in the company.