1. What might have been the implications if Google stayed in China’s Internet search engine market? Would that have harmed Google’s reputation and performance elsewhere in the world? 

2. What could be the implication of Google’s exiting the Chinese search engine market? Will it hinder the company’s ability to compete successfully in other parts of the world?

3. Overall, do you think Google made a good decision to leave China? Why or why not? 

The focus of this Global Debate explores “Google’s Values and Strategy versus the China Opportunity.” This is an excellent situation because students know Google and should be aware that it as an MNC of the highest order. This also gives excellent examples of the impact of international situations and dynamically changing environmental factors on implementation of strategic plans and how firms must rapidly change their plans in response to local market conditions. It also brings in the related issues of corporate mission and values as drivers of strategic plans. 

This situation is continuing to unfold as this book goes to press, developing as the external and competitive forces change. Discussion can be initiated through questions such as, “Did Google make a good decision to leave China? What do you think?” An update on developments related to the position of Google and other companies in China can lead to a discussion of how rapidly the changing global market environment has impacted an organization your students know. This discussion could serve as an introduction to international competitive strategies.