Read the following prefix to Google's code of conduct and discuss the points that follow.

Alphabet Investor Relations: Google code of conduct The Google Code of Conduct is one of the ways we put Google’s values into practice. It’s built around the recognition that everything we do in connection with our work at Google will be, and should be, measured against the highest possible standards of ethical business conduct. We set the bar that high for practical as well as aspirational reasons: Our commitment to the highest standards helps us hire great people, build great products, and attract loyal users. Respect for our users, for the opportunity, and for each other are foundational to our success, and are something we need to support every day.

So please do read the Code and Google’s values, and follow both in spirit and letter, always bearing in mind that each of us has a personal responsibility to incorporate, and to encourage other Googlers to incorporate, the principles of the Code and values into our work. And if you have a question or ever think that one of your fellow Googlers or the company as a whole may be falling short of our commitment, don’t be silent. We want – and need – to hear from you…

Google aspires to be a different kind of company. It’s impossible to spell out every possible ethical scenario we might face. Instead, we rely on one another’s good judgment to uphold a high standard of integrity for ourselves and our company. We expect all Googlers to be guided by both the letter and the spirit of this Code. Sometimes, identifying the right thing to do isn’t an easy call. If you aren’t sure, don’t be afraid to ask questions of your manager, Legal or Ethics & Business Integrity.

And remember... don’t be evil, and if you see something that you think isn’t right – speak up!

Required

(a) Check if there is a code of ethics or conduct to guide your behaviour as a student at your university.

(b) Identify if the university that you are attending has a course on ethics in accounting or in business. Also find out whether this ethics course (if it exists) is compulsory in your degree.

(c) If such a course exists, list the types of issues discussed in the course.

(d) Referring to Google's code of conduct governing the conduct of all employees and Board members, identify the values employees and board members should operate by. Describe the consequences of failing to do so.

(e) Assume that you are employed by Google Inc. Referring to the company’s code of code, discuss how the code would guide your behaviour in the following situations.

(i) A friend who works at a non-profit organisation asks you informally how to improve the Google search ranking of the group’s website.

(ii) Buying gifts and paying for meals, entertainment, or other business courtesies for a client on behalf of Google.

(iii) You have access to systems that show the websites accessed by employees on their work devices. A manager asks you to check to see if one of her employees is looking for a new job.

(iv) In 2022, Google agreed to pay $60 million in penalties flowing from a long-running court fight with the Australian competition watchdog over it misleading users on the collection of personal location data. Discuss the activity associated with this penalty. Do you regard the activity as inconsistent with Google's core values?