GOOGLE AND XEROX

Google and Xerox



Google and Xerox

Google Code of Conduct

The Google Code of Conduct is one of the ways we put "Don't be evil" into practice. The highest possible standards of ethical business conduct.

Keeping the following principles in mind will help us to maintain that high standard: Contact Legal or Ethics and Compliance if you have questions on implementing these standards in connection with what you do at Google. (Helm, Hardy 2005: 1)

Contact Legal or Ethics and Compliance if you have questions on implementing these standards in connection with what you do at Google.

Google prohibits unlawful harassment in any form -- verbal, physical or visual.

The Purpose and Values of the Business

If you develop or participate in outside inventions that compete with Google, that may create a conflict of interest. Do not accept a seat on the board of directors or the advisory board of any Google competitor, and do not accept a seat on the board or advisory board of a Google customer, supplier or partner if your job at Google could permit you to participate in or influence Google's relationship with that entity. Google officers -- VP and above -- should obtain approval from Ethics & Compliance before accepting an outside board membership in any company. (Band 2006:35) Business opportunities discovered through your work here belong first to Google.

Employees

To be clear, just because a relative, spouse/significant other or close friend works at Google or becomes a Google supplier, customer, partner or competitor doesn't mean there is a conflict of interest. (Helm, Hardy 2005: 4)

Accepting gifts or entertainment from a Google customer, supplier, partner or competitor can easily create the appearance of a conflict of interest, especially if the value of the gift or entertainment is significant.

Customer Relations

Ethics & Compliance will periodically report to the OC, or its designee, all matters involving Google officers - VP and above -- approved under this section of the Code, and will periodically report to the Google Audit Committee and Google Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee all matters involving Google executive officers approved under this section.

Our responsibilities extend beyond not revealing confidential Google material -- we must also: properly secure, label and (when appropriate) dispose of confidential Google material; safeguard confidential information that Google receives from others under non disclosure agreements; and Google's "confidential information" includes financial, product and user information. Make sure that confidential company material stays that way; don't disclose it outside of Google without authorization. (Band 2006:42)

Just as you are careful not to disclose confidential Google information, it's equally important not to disclose any confidential information from our partners.

Shareholders or other providers of money

Google has a well-earned reputation for generosity with our employee benefits and openness with confidential information shared within the company. Report any suspected misuse of trademarks, logos or other Google intellectual property to Legal. (Helm, Hardy 2005: 11)

You should also check with Legal if developing a product that uses content not belonging to Google.

A word about open source -- Google is committed ...