The management styles of Google and Lenovo are distinctly different, yet it is interesting how both companies manage to do so well in their respective fields. In my opinion, the reason these companies are both thriving despite their differences is because of the way they each cater to their own societies. This would cause them to lose out when competing in distinctly different societies; as we know, Lenovo is facing trouble reaching out to the global market, while Google has been banned in China.
Google's management style is an echo of the American values of liberty and freedom. Although many companies in America still do not do things the way Google does, many things in America reflect the importance of freedom to Americans. For example, the US Constitution places heavy emphasis on the need for liberty in the government and the law. This is also why Google is deemed as one of the top places to work in America, and I think that it is this openness and freedom that particularly attracts consumers to Google products. As Steve Rubel, a senior vice-president at Edelman Digital said, openness facilitates trust, and trust drives sales.
Whereas when we compare Lenovo to Google, Lenovo fits snugly with traditional Chinese values. First enshrined by Confucius, the idea of 'mandate of heaven' or ultimate authority, is very comfortable with the Chinese, even though this creates a serious handicap on their creativity. Lenovo employees do not ask questions but instead just follow instructions. This is deemed as a sign of respect, a requirement in the complex Chinese hierarchy system. This way of legalist management is very efficient, just what the Chinese want, and in line with this management, Lenovo’s laptops are cheaper than foreign brands’ and even of quality but are simply not as innovative. This won over the Chinese market and Lenovo controls much of the Chinese market even today.
Personally, I prefer the Lenovo way of management. Even though it seriously lacks in creativity, I think that it is more suitable for me and the majority of Singaporeans, or, I might even say, Asians. Because of Lee Kuan Yew’s method of governance, we are brought up and educated with Chinese values, and exposure to true Western values is limited. This limited interaction with Western values such as beyond the classroom learning and problem solving is a terribly complicated issue, as it disables our youth from having the skills necessary to tackle an increasingly globalised world. We lack the self-discipline to function in Google’s freewheeling method of management; in spite of all the benefits that it offers, Singaporean youths are simply not ready for such a radical change. For example, in Secondary 2, we had Online Lessons period, but during those in-curriculum periods, many students, instead of completing their work or doing extra research, were indulging in computer games and to be honest, I also did indulge in such activities most times. I saw many of my friends’ ruined by this, and thus it has deeply impacted me that Singapore’s education will not be able to see many radical changes for at least the next five years.
On the other hand, Lenovo’s style of authoritarian command is more suitable to Singapore, and it is the model we have been adapting for a long time. Lenovo’s style of management reflects the industrialisation happening in China, and Singapore, when industrialising, too used a similar method. Blind learning and clever manipulation of the exams could give one a bright future. But times are changing and we can no longer rely on Lenovo’s backdated methods. Even Lenovo is trying to change its methods to look more into the 21st century.
However, although I prefer working in a Lenovo-style culture, I still particularly admire the Google style of management and one day hope that Asian society could become like that. A real example of Google’s management style in Asia would be the autobiography of Tetsuke Kuroyanagi, otherwise known as “Totto-chan: The Little Girl by the Window”. Her elementary school was a fine example of the ability that people have to use freedom to achieve great things, even young schoolchildren. I sincerely hope for such a method of education to be adapted in Asia, as this would lift the creativity handicap from our Asian societies.
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Dear Nathan
ReplyDeleteI like how you have used external evidence such as "Totto-chan: The Little Girl by the Window" to support your stand.
Although I myself would prefer to work at Google, I do understand your standpoint of why you prefer working in a Lenovo-style culture.
I also like how you have managed to give a balanced point of view, saying you "still particularly admire the Google style of management and one day hope that Asian society could become like that."
However, a point to note is that perhaps next time you could elaborate and expand more on how to overcome the severe lack of creativity in the Lenovo system.
-Liang Hao
Dear Nathan,
ReplyDeleteYou have included quite a few evidence to support your point like "the US Constitution" and "Totto-chan" which I found is quite good. You also have quotes to prove your point. I agree with you that we are being brought up and educated in Chinese values. However, that doesn't apply that we cannot adjust to the Google's style as I believe that we are being moulded as a holistic student and should be able to adapt to Google's style if given a period of time.
I feel that you have your own points for wanting to work at Lenovo as each and every person have different working styles. Even though you are on the Lenovo's side, you didn't condemn the Google's style. Instead, you provided a balanced view of this whole topic and mentioned that you hope that Asia can learn from the western countries which means that you recognize the advantages of Google's way of management.
You mentioned that many students do not really adhere to the online lessons assigned and engaged in other activities online and therefore, we cannot be given the freedom as we lack self-discipline. I beg to differ because I feel that as we are all so stressed out that when we are given some freedom, we decided to use it to unwind a little. I am not saying that we can engage in other activities during online lessons but if the whole day was given to us to do whatever we want, I believe we will still get the work done and take rest in between when we deem necessary.
Thanks!!! :D
Hi Nathan,
ReplyDeletePersonally I agree with some viewpoints of your blog post. However, I disagree with some areas. First of all, I like how you weighed the two societies, the US and Asia. I find that you were very rational and I like how you came to the conclusion that Lenovo suits Asia’s working style more than Google. Your reason was because you feel in Asia; our government has already brought us up in a way, whereby we have to follow, follow, and follow. Thus, you feel we Singaporeans are unable to adopt a more creative and liberty-orientated form of working. However, I beg to differ. Though it is certainly true that currently, there is nothing like Google’s working system in Singapore, first and foremost, we should consider whether it is a good way of working instead of whether Singapore can adapt to the change. To adapt to the 21st century, I am sure that creativity is important. We cannot just rely on our leaders, we should also stand up for ourselves and voice out any opinions. Thus, I feel that the Google working style can and should be implemented in Singapore, because, as you said, it brings creativity and will allow the country to prosper economically. Next, I feel that what you said about Singaporeans lacking the “self-discipline” is not very correct. I feel this is just a stereotype that Asians are not as independent and creative than Americans. I certainly feel that if Americans can perform in such a manner, Singapore can emulate as well. However, I agree that adopting the Google working style in Singapore would mean a really radical change for us. Personally, I feel that the government is doing quite well in trying to emulate Google in the sense that now schools are encouraging and promoting creativity within the students. However, the government can follow in the footsteps of Google, and give some space to workers and probably students, to allow them to create passion and creativity to achieve. However, obviously, if the change is to be made, it has to be done step by step or else it will be too drastic a change. In conclusion, I feel Google’s concept of working can be inculcated into Singapore’s society if need be. I personally do feel it is essential as in the 21st century; innovation is the key to a prosperous country in terms of economy. On the other hand, Lenovo’s method is outdated and it will only develop followers.
Done by: Ng Wei Sing Darren (19) 3S1