Decisions at Google are guided by the company’s ambitious mission: To organize the world’s information and make it universally accessible and useful. Everyone who makes decisions at Google must also follow the company’s rule of making money “without doing evil.” Because both technology and the business environment are evolving so quickly, Google’s managers know that their decisions must be speedy as well as smart. Sometimes they decide to test a new feature on the Google site, monitor user reaction, and fine-tune it accordingly. Even when the investment is very high—such as when the G1 cell phone was launched—Google’s managers recognize that postponing decisions until tomorrow will only postpone the company’s future success.

1. Why would Google want its employees and managers to feel free to participate in so many decisions? Do you agree with this policy? Explain your answer.
2. Of the three broad categories of managerial roles, which is likely to be the most important at Google? Why?