Answered step by step
Verified Expert Solution
Link Copied!

Question

1 Approved Answer

duction Microsoft Corporation is an American multi-national corporation. Its headquarters is based in Redmond, Washington and is known for the development, manufacturing and licensing of

duction Microsoft Corporation is an American multi-national corporation. Its headquarters is based in Redmond, Washington and is known for the development, manufacturing and licensing of a huge variety of products and services relating to computing both hardware and software oriented. The company was founded by Bill Gates and Paul Allen in 1975. At Microsoft Corporation, their mission is to enable people and businesses throughout the world to realize their full potential. Their main focus is to continue creating innovative technology that is suited for everyone regardless of his/her age and his/her abilities. \"Accessible technology eliminates barriers for people with disabilities and it enables individuals to take full advantage of their capabilities." (Bill Gates, Chairperson 2015). This study aims to discuss Microsoft's business purpose, how it is affected by the spheres of power and its effect on society. Microsoft versus Society The main purpose of Microsoft Corporation is the commitment with creating technologies that are accessible for people from all \"walks of life\" especially those who are differently able. The fast revolving changes in technologies allows Microsoft Corporation to develop innovative solutions that are customized to meet customers' situational needs and preferences. These assistive technology products are userfriendly software and hardware products that are personalized for individuals with significant vision, hearing, dexterity, language and learning needs. Being part of society itself, I am elated to see the rapid development and application of computer-based technology which created endless options and possibilities and ended the isolation and limited resources that individuals experienced about a decade ago. These products aid individuals to boost their selfconfidence, have a sense of being appreciated and accepted so they feel more comfortable, allow them to better reach their potential and make them more independent. Furthermore, Microsoft was awarded by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for their advancement in renewable energy. \"Microsoft set a goal to reduce its carbon emissions in 2012 by least 30 percent per unit of revenue below their 2007 baseline. They met this goal through increased energy efficiency and investments in high-quality, externally-verified renewable energy and carbon reduction projects\" (EPA United States Environmental Protection Agency 2013). The report further expounded on some statistics as to how Microsoft Corporation was able to acquire the award. \"In 2013, Microsoft upped its use of renewable energy percent to nearly 2 billion kWh annually, an increase of more than 815 million kWh from 2012. This increase put Microsoft in 2nd place on EPAs Green Power Partnership National Top 50 and Top 20 Tech and Telecom lists in 2013\" (EPA United States Environmental Protection Agency 2013). As more emphasis is being placed on health and safety practices, I believe that this venture taken by Microsoft Corporation is worthy of credit. This stemmed from its commitment to Corporate Social Responsibility. Sticking to the \"Going Green Initiative\" by continually creating innovative, environmental focused products and services, Microsoft Corporation can build its community goodwill and profitability can be improved through cost savings. Also, the company can improve its reputation and brand image, and finally reduce environmental impacts internally and externally. Spheres of Power Microsoft Corporation is mainly affected by the environmental, economic and technological factors. Environmental Microsoft Corporation was persistent in the efforts to maintain environmental sustainability. This being said, the trend towards greener business practices must continuously be included in the company's strategic plan. Technological Research and Development is very important. In R&D, Microsoft Corporation is able to utilize technology and future capabilities to be innovative (new product designs and additional features). Whilst communicating and working together with the marketing and accounting departments, Microsoft would be exposed to the feedback with respects to customers' changes in buying behavior and preferences and allocating resources and cost accordingly. Additionally, the lack of security has impacted most individuals. Intruders are always discovering new vulnerabilities so confidentiality and privacy is impaired and the concern of viruses arise. Microsoft has to be very vigilant and must implement and constantly change security measures to distract these issues. Economic Since the main focus on any company is to maximize profits, Microsoft must be mindful of the taxation policy, import/export barriers, economic growth rates and most importantly the protection of intellectual property rights and combating unlicensed copying and use of software (piracy issue). Sociocultural In my opinion, sociocultural factor is not as harmful as the three previously mentioned factors. Since this factor is connected to R&D, once management is aware of changes in demographics and attitudes of consumers, they can act accordingly. I believe that through the effects of globalization, any company especially Microsoft Corporation, known to be a highly trusted, respected and reputable company internationally must consider all spheres of power to maintain its competitive advantage and market share efficiently and effectively. The Board of Directors and senior management must keep abreast and be aware of the fast occurring situations mentioned above and act accordingly in a timely manner. These factors aid in establishing and meeting strategic goals and objectives whilst linking those goals to strategic planning and decisionmaking. Hence, management would also relate these changes to their subordinates based on the hierarchy or company structure and create and/or amend policies and procedures for employees to adhere to. Microsoft and the Social Contract The company has respected diverse cultures and customs therefore they follow protocol. Microsoft Corporation complies with laws and regulations related to fair competition and antitrust, trade and intellectual property. Microsoft follows the principles of Corporate Social Responsibility which are sustainability, accountability and transparency. The company has maintained a great relationship with the microenvironment. Society in return has grown to appreciate and trust Microsoft. This is evident by what was discussed earlier in the first section amongst many other acknowledgements and accomplishments as well as the growth in profits seen over a decade. In conclusion, Microsoft Corporation has performed well in both dimensions of the social contract and there is no question as to why it is deemed to be one of the largest companies worldwide and has topped the list for maintaining and providing excellent Corporate Social Responsibility practices. References Assistive Technology Products. (n.d.). Retrieved May 22, 2016, from https://www.microsoft.com/enable/at/default.aspx EPA honors Microsoft Corporation and Mercer Island for their green power leadership in the Pacific Northwest. (2013, September 23). Retrieved May 22, 2016, from https://yosemite.epa.gov/opa/admpress.nsf/0/796574cf986d74df85257bef006b297b? OpenDocument Microsoft Commitment to Accessibility. (n.d.). Retrieved May 22, 2016, from https://www.microsoft.com/enable/microsoft/

Step by Step Solution

There are 3 Steps involved in it

Step: 1

blur-text-image

Get Instant Access to Expert-Tailored Solutions

See step-by-step solutions with expert insights and AI powered tools for academic success

Step: 2

blur-text-image

Step: 3

blur-text-image

Ace Your Homework with AI

Get the answers you need in no time with our AI-driven, step-by-step assistance

Get Started

Recommended Textbook for

Management An Introduction

Authors: David Boddy

7th Edition

1292088591, 978-1292088594

More Books

Students also viewed these General Management questions