Harvard Case - Google's Dragonfly: The Ethics of Providing a Censored Search Engine in China
"Google's Dragonfly: The Ethics of Providing a Censored Search Engine in China" Harvard business case study is written by Ernesto Dal Bo, Guo Xu. It deals with the challenges in the field of Business Ethics. The case study is 6 page(s) long and it was first published on : Oct 1, 2020
At Fern Fort University, we recommend that Google abandon the Dragonfly project due to its inherent ethical conflicts and potential for significant reputational damage. This decision aligns with Google's core values of promoting free expression and access to information, and it demonstrates a commitment to ethical leadership and corporate responsibility in a globalized marketplace.
2. Background
The case study focuses on Google's internal debate regarding the development of Dragonfly, a censored search engine designed for the Chinese market. This project, aimed at gaining access to the lucrative Chinese market, required Google to comply with China's strict censorship laws, including blocking access to sensitive topics and information. This decision raised significant ethical concerns within Google, as it conflicted with the company's core values of promoting free speech and access to information.
The main protagonists of the case are:
- Google's leadership: Facing the dilemma of balancing business interests with ethical principles.
- Google employees: Expressing concerns about the project's ethical implications and potential impact on their values.
- Chinese authorities: Enforcing strict censorship laws and demanding compliance from foreign companies.
- Chinese users: Potentially benefiting from access to Google's services but facing limitations on information access.
3. Analysis of the Case Study
This case study presents a complex ethical dilemma, highlighting the tension between corporate responsibility and business interests. A framework for analysis can be applied using the Stakeholder Theory, which emphasizes considering the interests of all stakeholders involved in a decision.
Stakeholders and their Interests:
- Google: Seeking market access and potential profits in China.
- Google employees: Concerned about the ethical implications of censorship and potential damage to Google's reputation.
- Chinese users: Potentially benefiting from access to Google's services but facing limitations on information access.
- Chinese authorities: Seeking to control information flow and maintain social stability.
- Global community: Concerned about the impact of censorship on freedom of expression and the potential for abuse of power.
Ethical Considerations:
- Freedom of speech: Dragonfly directly contradicts Google's commitment to free expression and access to information.
- Transparency: The project lacked transparency, leading to internal dissent and external criticism.
- Corporate responsibility: Google's decision to prioritize business interests over ethical principles raised concerns about its commitment to social responsibility.
- Data privacy: The project raised concerns about the potential for data misuse and surveillance by the Chinese government.
Potential Consequences:
- Reputational damage: The project could severely damage Google's reputation as a champion of free speech and access to information.
- Loss of trust: Employees and users could lose trust in Google's commitment to its values.
- Legal and regulatory challenges: Google could face legal and regulatory challenges in other countries due to its involvement in censorship.
4. Recommendations
Google should abandon the Dragonfly project for the following reasons:
- Ethical alignment: The project fundamentally contradicts Google's core values and principles.
- Reputational risk: The project poses significant reputational risks, potentially damaging Google's brand and trust.
- Long-term sustainability: The project is not sustainable in the long term due to its ethical implications and potential for negative consequences.
Instead of pursuing Dragonfly, Google should focus on:
- Developing alternative strategies for entering the Chinese market that do not compromise its ethical principles.
- Advocating for greater freedom of expression and access to information in China through partnerships with local organizations and international advocacy groups.
- Investing in technologies and initiatives that promote digital literacy and critical thinking among Chinese users.
5. Basis of Recommendations
This recommendation is grounded in the following considerations:
- Core competencies and consistency with mission: Abandoning Dragonfly aligns with Google's mission of organizing the world's information and making it universally accessible and useful.
- External customers and internal clients: This decision demonstrates a commitment to ethical conduct and protects the interests of both external customers and internal employees.
- Competitors: While competitors may pursue strategies that prioritize market access over ethical considerations, Google can differentiate itself by upholding its values.
- Attractiveness: The potential financial gains from Dragonfly are outweighed by the long-term reputational and ethical risks.
6. Conclusion
Google's decision to pursue Dragonfly was a serious miscalculation that jeopardized its core values and reputation. Abandoning the project demonstrates a commitment to ethical leadership and corporate responsibility, ultimately strengthening Google's long-term sustainability and brand integrity.
7. Discussion
Alternatives not selected:
- Continuing with Dragonfly: This option would have resulted in significant ethical compromises and reputational damage.
- Modifying Dragonfly to minimize censorship: This approach would have been difficult to implement and still raised ethical concerns.
Risks and key assumptions:
- Loss of market access: Abandoning Dragonfly could result in losing access to the Chinese market.
- Negative impact on Chinese users: This decision could limit access to Google's services for Chinese users.
Options Grid:
| Option | Ethical Impact | Reputational Impact | Financial Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Abandon Dragonfly | High | Low | Moderate |
| Modify Dragonfly | Moderate | Moderate | Moderate |
| Continue with Dragonfly | Low | High | High |
8. Next Steps
- Immediately halt development of Dragonfly.
- Communicate transparently with employees and stakeholders about the decision to abandon the project.
- Develop alternative strategies for entering the Chinese market that align with Google's ethical principles.
- Engage in advocacy efforts to promote freedom of expression and access to information in China.
- Invest in initiatives that promote digital literacy and critical thinking among Chinese users.
This timeline should be implemented with urgency, demonstrating Google's commitment to ethical conduct and transparency.
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Case Description
In 2018, a Google employee leaked that the world's largest search engine was attempting to provide its service to China censored by the Communist Party. Google employees demanded explanations, protested, and even resigned over the secret Project Dragonfly. One whistleblower was motivated by moral concerns and lack of public scrutiny: "I'm against large companies and governments collaborating in the oppression of their people." This left employees, human rights advocates, and Western companies and governments analyzing the ethics of corporate involvement with authoritarian regimes. Could a technology giant's presence in China improve the lives of citizens or simply legitimize autocracy? Also, what factors should employees weigh in deciding to remain loyal to company strategy versus voicing moral concerns?
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