Google's 20% time

Definition

Google's 20% time is a policy that allows employees to dedicate 20% of their workweek to pursue projects they are passionate about, even if those projects are not directly related to their job responsibilities. This approach fosters innovation and creativity within the company by empowering employees to explore new ideas and solutions.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Google's 20% time has led to the creation of successful products such as Gmail and Google News, showcasing its effectiveness in fostering innovation.
2. The concept encourages employees to think outside the box and explore personal interests, which can lead to unexpected breakthroughs for the company.
3. This approach not only boosts morale but also enhances employee retention by providing them with opportunities for personal growth and development.
4. The policy emphasizes the importance of flexibility in the workplace, allowing employees to balance their main job responsibilities with creative pursuits.
5. Although not all projects under 20% time are successful, the failures contribute valuable learning experiences that can inform future initiatives.

Review Questions

• How does Google's 20% time exemplify the differences between intrapreneurship and entrepreneurship?
  • Google's 20% time illustrates the differences between intrapreneurship and entrepreneurship by allowing employees to innovate within the safety net of a larger organization. While entrepreneurs operate independently and assume all risks associated with starting their own ventures, intrapreneurs leverage existing resources and support from their employer. This structure enables intrapreneurs at Google to experiment with new ideas without the pressures typically faced by external entrepreneurs.
• Discuss the key characteristics of intrapreneurs that are supported by Google's 20% time initiative.
  • Google's 20% time initiative supports key characteristics of intrapreneurs such as creativity, risk-taking, and a strong sense of ownership. By providing employees with dedicated time to work on projects they are passionate about, Google fosters an environment where creativity can thrive. Intrapreneurs are encouraged to take calculated risks as they explore new ideas, knowing they have the backing of their organization. This empowerment cultivates a sense of ownership over projects, motivating employees to invest themselves fully in their pursuits.
• Evaluate how Google's 20% time contributes to overcoming organizational inertia and promoting a culture of innovation.
  • Google's 20% time is instrumental in overcoming organizational inertia by challenging the status quo and encouraging a culture of experimentation. This policy empowers employees to pursue innovative projects that may not align with their traditional roles, fostering an atmosphere where new ideas can flourish. As employees engage in these creative endeavors, they become more invested in the company's overall success, leading to a proactive mindset that breaks through bureaucratic barriers. Ultimately, this culture of innovation enhances organizational agility, enabling Google to adapt swiftly to market changes and evolving customer needs.

Related terms

Intrapreneurship: Intrapreneurship refers to the practice of employees acting like entrepreneurs within a company, taking risks to innovate and develop new products or services while utilizing the resources and support of their organization.

Innovation Culture: An innovation culture is an environment that encourages creativity and experimentation, allowing employees to take risks and pursue novel ideas that can lead to new products or improvements.

Employee Empowerment: Employee empowerment is the process of giving employees more responsibility and authority in their roles, encouraging them to take initiative and make decisions that contribute to the organization's success.