Abstract

The case “Google Takes up Project Nimbus: A Failure of Employee Activism?” discusses the way US-based multinational technology company Google LLC (Google) handled employee activism against it for taking up the US$ 1.2 billion Project Nimbus – a cloud computing contract given by the Israeli government and military. The case discusses Project Nimbus in detail and how it was expected to contribute to the better functioning of various Israeli government entities and help make life easier for the common man in the country. It then delves into the reasons for the employee activists opposing the project and the various protest tactics adopted by them. The case then presents Google’s viewpoint in taking up contentious projects such as Project Nimbus. The case also provides a glimpse into Google’s track record in dealing with employee activism. Considering the strong belief among tech employees that they have the power to bring about societal change and ensure the adoption of ethical practices through activism, what can Google do to appease them while keeping in mind its profit motive?

Learning Objectives

The case is structured to achieve the following Learning Objectives:

• Understand the concept of employee activism.
• Examine the various protest tactics adopted by employee activists.
• Analyze the factors that determine an ethical organization.
• Design appropriate responses to employee activism.
• Formulate changes in an organization’s culture to manage employee activism.

Keywords

Employee Relations; Collective Bargaining; Grievance Handling; HR Strategy; Workforce Utilization; Role of Unions; Industrial Unions; Unionization of IT/ITES Employees; Disciplinary Action; Retaliation; Negotiation Process; Employee Activism; Active Listening; Employee Discontent; Organizational Reputation