Comment on the Principles Utilized at Google to not be Evil - Case Study Example

The main concept behind the ‘Don’t be evil,’ line was to go good by the end users and not act on the company’s capitalist instincts. This included not exploiting users by focusing more on short term profits that would destroy long term customer loyalty. The strength of the engine allows for it to become part of some very important decisions and the slogan is become more a liability than a principle (Morrish 2007). It has been seen time and time again that Google tips the weighing scales of good against evil when it suits its own purpose.

Their primary concept or principle for functioning was to not be evil; this would include doing everything by the customer’s preferences. Their agreement with China which allows their search engine to be censored was the most controversial of their moves (Ellen 2006). This move is actually not in the best interest of its end-users and is seen by many as limiting freedom of speech and liberty itself. Its ongoing battle with AT&T is also indicative of its changing standards. It seems Google has changed its stance from neutrality to the survival of the fittest.

While they once advocated net neutrality principles it is now increasingly more focused on putting its own interests first (marketingpilgrim.com). In a way they are effectively crushing small firms and even large competition because of its biased and tyrannical attitude. What was once a motto no longer applies for Google it seems; at the end of the day there is massive copyright and trademark infringement through the search engine that is allowed and goes unchecked by the firm. Pornography and other disturbing elements are not only widely available but also advertised.

So the question is, was the principle only a catchy slogan? It seems it was. References Ellen, L. (n.d). BAY AREA / Google's China policy protested / Censored site draws fire at UC, Stanford recruiting events. San Francisco Chronicle (CA), http://search.ebscohost.comMcCollum, J (2009): AT&T Tells Google, “Don’t Be Evil”: http://www.marketingpilgrim.com/2009/10/att-tells-google-dont-be-evil.htmlMorrish, J. (2007). SLOGAN DOCTOR: GOOGLE: DON'T BE EVIL. Management Today, 16. http://search.ebscohost.com