Apparently, a senior software engineer at Google, James Damore, had authored a 10-page ‘manifesto’ condemning the company’s efforts to achieve diversity. Specifically, Google’s effort to have a fair representation of male and female headcounts among its staff members.
In the manifesto, Damore claims men are more biologically predisposed to working in tech industries than their female counterparts. This memo elicited much attention, not just from within Google but worldwide.
Naturally, the company’s CEO Sundar Pichai had to address the matter. It is said Pichai was on a family vacation, which he had to cut short to come and address the ‘manifesto.’ Pichai argues that “much of what was in that memo is fair to debate,” although part of it advances “harmful gender stereotypes in our workplace.”
Pichai categorically said that “to suggest a group of our colleagues have traits that make them less biologically suited to that work is offensive and not OK.”
Right to Freedom of Speech versus violation of Work Ethics
From one angle, Damore in some way was exercising his right to freedom of expression, but on the other hand, he is clearly violating Google’s code of conduct. Although a good number of Google staffers were disgusted by Damore memo, there are also those who support his views.
The CEO, Pichai, addressed the matter in an email sent as an internal memo reading:
“This has been a very difficult time. I wanted to provide an update on the memo that was circulated over this past week.
First, let me say that we strongly support the right of Googlers to express themselves, and much of what was in that memo is fair to debate, regardless of whether a vast majority of Googlers disagree with it. However, portions of the memo violate our Code of Conduct and cross the line by advancing harmful gender stereotypes in our workplace. Our job is to build a great products for users that make a difference in their lives. To suggest a group of our colleagues have traits that make them less biologically suited to that work is offensive and not OK. It is contrary to our basic values and our Code of Conduct, which expects “each Googler to do their utmost to create a workplace culture that is free of harassment, intimidation, bias, and unlawful discrimination.
The memo has clearly impacted our co-workers, some of whom are hurting and feel judged based on their gender. Our co-workers shouldn’t have to worry that each time they open their mouths to speak in a meeting, they have to prove that they are not like the memo states, being ‘agreeable’ rather than ‘assertive’ showing a ‘lower stress tolerance’ or being ‘neurotic.’
At the same time, there are co-workers who are questioning whether they can safely express their views in the workplace (especially those with a minority viewpoint). They too feel under threat, and that is also not OK. People must feel free to express dissent. So to be clear again, many points raised in the memo – such as the portions criticizing Google’s trainings, questioning the role of ideology in the workplace, and debating whether programs for women and underserved groups are sufficiently open to all – are important topics. The author had a right to express their views on those topics – we encourage an environment in which people can do this and it remains our policy to not take action against anyone for prompting these discussions.
The past few days have been very difficult for many at the company, and we need to find a way to debate issues on which we might disagree – while doing so in line with our Code of Conduct. I’d encourage each of you to make an effort over the coming days to reach out to those who might have different perspectives from your own. I will be doing the same.
I have been on work related travel in Africa and Europe the past couple of weeks and had just started my family vacation here this week. I have decided to return tomorrow as clearly there’s a lot more to discuss as a group – including how we create a more inclusive environment for all.”