External/Internal Factors of Management
in the Microsoft Corporation
When the company name, Microsoft, is heard, it is automatic to think of the industry leader in software program technology. That was until the company settled in court on November 12, 2002, with a consent decree forcing them to allow other companies to use their program information to make competitive company programs compatible with Microsoft programs already on most desktops (Settlement Program, July 8, 2006). The Microsoft Corporation must now focus organizational goals towards diversity, new technology, and innovation to stay on top. The following will discuss how Microsoft uses the four functions of management with some of the external and internal factors that affect their company on a day-to-day basis.
Diversity
"At Microsoft, they believe that diversity enriches their performance and products, the communities where we live and work, and the lives of their employees (Diversity at Microsoft, July 7, 2006)." Microsoft has such unlimited potential simply because they combine such powerful minds from many different cultures and backgrounds (Pride in Diversity, July 6, 2006). Diversity also provides a better chance for a company to become global, thus serving hundreds of millions of customers around the entire world. Microsoft employs people from more than 135 different countries and regions (Inside Microsoft, July 6, 2006). To keep this company so diversely successful, it is pertinent that all four functions of management are practiced.
Planning
Planning is the key element of the four management functions for this company. The diversity in this company brings prosperity with fresh ideas and innovative problem-solving techniques. ...