From Google.org’s Spotlight, the Corporate Social Responsibility initiative Improving Computer Science Education aims at increasing the number of women as well as minority groups in the society enrolled in Computer Science programs and courses at the institutions of higher learning, that is, university and colleges. Google has adopted various programs, such as made with Code that are aimed at improving the knowledge of coding among girls and other underprivileged minority groups in the society. The only focus of the initiative is on female-child. This strategy plays a crucial role in boosting the public image of Google, which increases the market of its products and services (Melo & Garrido-Morgado, 2012).

Questions

1. What about this initiative speaks to you?

The initiative is aimed at addressing gender parity issues in the field of Computer Science. Men have dominated this field while women have been left far behind even though some of their achievements, such as Ada, are highly notable and appreciated. Increasing the number of women in the computer science industry will help in widening the talent pool hence leading to innovations from women who may build sustainable business that will create employment opportunities for people (Waddock, 2009).

2. Why do you think this particular initiative is important?

This initiative is of significant help, as it will increase awareness of the discipline of Computer Science through encouraging students to participate in coding activities and competitions. Girls are required to work hard in order to match the men. Due to lack of awareness and ignorance on coding and the Computer Science subject, very few girls after finishing their high school years enrol in computer science programs offered in the universities. Ignorance plays a major role in plaguing the fabric of the society and holding back development in the society whether individual, economic or political (Melo & Garrido-Morgado, 2012).

3. Which ISO standard is Google meeting by engaging in the initiative you chose to investigate further? 

Google meets the ISO 26000 standard by engaging in corporate social responsibility programs. The ISO 26000 standard provides the guidelines, rules, and regulations on how businesses and organizations can operate in a social responsible manner/way (Chandler & Werther, Jr. 2013). Acting in a way that is socially responsible means corporations are acting in a way that is transparent and ethical, which in turn leads to the health, welfare, and well-being of the society (Hopkins, 2012).

References

Chandler, D., &WertherJr, W. B. (2013).Strategic corporate social responsibility:

Stakeholders, globalization, and sustainable value creation.Sage Publications.

Hopkins, M. (2012).Corporate social responsibility and international development: is

business the solution? Earthscan.

Melo, T., & Garrido‐Morgado, A.  (2012). Corporate reputation: a combination of social

responsibility and industry. Corporate Social Responsibility and Environmental Management, 19(1), 11-31.

Waddock, S. (2009). Leading Corporate Citizens: Vision, Values, Value Added-3/E.