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Jonathan Dumas Professor Rusch Intro to Cultural Anthropology February 8, 2011 Anthropology: In Action

Anthropology is defined as a discipline that studies humans, focusing on the study for differences and similarities, both biological and cultural, in human populations (Ember-Ember). Simply put, anthropology is the study of individuals, but taking a deeper look, we gaze at the culture of the people. It is possible to look at a culture from several different perspectives; however, the focus here will be on micro-culture. Specifically, on the micro culture of Google Inc. In any corporate atmosphere, one would expect rigid borders and strict rules. It would be obvious to pinpoint those who belonged in an environment as bland; however, the Google Inc. trip proved the contrary. Just walking into the lobby, one finds all the primary colors splattered all along the walls. Throughout the office one finds each cubicle aligned with individual cultures, breaking the social norms and crossing every rigid border created over the decades. From a real sized mast and flag to posters of childhood games such as super Mario Brothers, it was clear that this was no ordinary working environment. One would ask If Google is so successful, how can this multimillion dollar company be run with such loose limits? The answer to this question is simple when thinking-out-of-the-box. Overseers in the company are advised to be completely transparent towards their employees, truly listening and answering the questions and concerns that are inquired of them. Now looking

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from the outside in, one could say that this is a normal practice in the business world; again this is where we can distinguish those in the business world and those who are out. Based on foreknowledge and even in movies, one can see that the lines between boss and employee are drawn visibly. This is where Google Inc. stood out amongst the rest. Administrator and team member relations were significantly different than any typical office relationship that one would imagine. There was complete cooperation and coherent communication within the work place. Such behavior is encouraged in the inner circle of Google; other behavior is in fact frowned upon. It can even be considered as disruptive to the status quo of the Google work place. Factors such as age and gender are important factors in many different areas of life, especially in the work place. While touring through this location of Google, there was a small minority of women. With this observation, questions can arise. For instance, Does Google discriminate, favoring men or women? Or Is it the career field? Do many women decide not to enter into computer engineering? The more feasible of the two would be the latter. According to Studentscholarships.org, 5% of the individuals employed as Computer Engineers (except Software Engineers and Designers) are women. Compared to other industries, this is below average. This passage asserts the obvious, that there are not many women in this industry. From what was witnessed, the relationship among genders seemed to be on excellent terms. In fact, the women that were at Google were mostly administrators. This is both intriguing and shows the non-biased views of women in the corporate world. As stated previously, age plays an immense role in any industry. With age comes experience, however can talent trump experience? In the world of computers technology is constantly changing. One cannot count on most technology lasting for too long. With this in

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mind, would it be fair to say that talent does trump experience in this case? The more youthful an individual is, the more likely they will be familiar with the newer technology. Of course this is mostly opinion. Nevertheless, it seemed that ages varied from younger to older while touring Google. Unlike what was previously stated, it seemed that the more experienced were at the administrative positions. However, this is difficult to determine, reason being is that the administrative position and software and computer engineer positions are completely different. But, one can argue either way. Overall, positioned seemed arranged from level of experience as well as the level of talent.
Close your eyes and imagine a team where every employee is engaged, energized and empowered. Team members are totally aligned with the organizations visions, goals and objectives. Individuals fully understand the customers, and together they contribute to meet or exceed their needs. In the end, the groups bottom-line results meet or exceed corporate growth and profitability projections.(Creating a Micro Culture par. 1). It is interesting when this quote states imagine a team where every employee is engaged, energized, and empowered, when it seems that Google Inc. has already captured this image already. The name Google has become a household name, used by millions of individuals across the planet on a daily basis, going against the current of the norms of rigid rules and regulations. Their claim to top competitor in the search engine market, as well as other products, is held gratitude to it unconventional methods. No secret tricks, but rather the treatment of employees have set this company apart for the better.

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Work Cited Ember,Carol and Ember,Melvin. Cultural Anthropology. New Jersey: Prentice Hall, 2010. Creating a Micro Culture. http://www.sbnonline.com/2006/03/creating-a-micro-culture-howto-align-departmental-and-corporate-visions/. Smart Business, 30 Mar. 2006. Computer Engineers (Except Software engineers and designers). http://www.studentscholarships.org/salary_ca/128/computer_engineers_except_software_ engineers_and_designers.php. StudentScholarships.org, StudentScholarship.org.