Unlike Google, Alphabet doesn't tell employees not to be evil
Alphabet posted its new code of conduct for employees Friday afternoon and that famed phrase was notably absent, as first noticed by The Wall Street Journal's Alistair Barr.
The two codes of conduct are markedly different: The Google code, written for its 2004 IPO, is much longer and includes rules relating to co-worker relationships, pets, and at-work alcohol consumption, while Alphabet's sticks to the basics, like about how employees should maintain integrity and avoid bribery.
By omitting the line and releasing a more general code of conducting, Alphabet leaves room for each of its subdivisions - like hardware maker Nest or moonshot factory Google X - to form their own rules and company cultures. But, still, it's fairly jarring, given how, as Google's reach has expanded, "Don't be evil" had become so symbolic to its supporters and critics alike.
Also perhaps because Alphabet's first line - which states that employees should "follow the law, act honorably, and treat each other with respect" - just doesn't have the same ring to it as "Don't be evil" does.
Here's the preface to Google's code:
And to Alphabet's:
- I got a $40K raise using this 30-second strategy. It made me realize loud work, not hard work, always wins.
- Qatar Airways' new CEO explains why it's sticking with the Airbus A380 as other airlines retire the costly superjumbo
- Prince Harry and Meghan found out about Kate Middleton's cancer diagnosis on TV like everyone else, report says
- Fresh photographs of Milky Way’s black hole Sgr A* reveal strong, twisted magnetic field similar to M87*
- 8 Lesser-known places to explore in Himachal Pradesh
- Markets end FY24 on buoyant note amid positive global cues
- SRM Contractors IPO allotment – How to check allotment, GMP, listing date and more
- Rupee falls 6 paise to settle at 83.39 against US dollar