Corporate Social Responsibility- Microsoft Corporation

1. 1
INTRODUCTION TO CSR
Corporate social responsibility (CSR) is also known by a number of other names. These
include corporate responsibility, corporate accountability, corporate ethics, corporate citizenship
or stewardship, responsible entrepreneurship, and “triple bottom line,” to name just a few. As
CSR issues become increasingly integrated into modern business practices, there is a trend
towards referring to it as “responsible competitiveness” or “corporate sustainability.”
A key point to note is that CSR is an evolving concept that currently does not have a
universally accepted definition. Generally, CSR is understood to be the way firms integrate
social, environmental and economic concerns into their values, culture, decision making, strategy
and operations in a transparent and accountable manner and thereby establish better practices
within the firm, create wealth and improve society. As issues of sustainable development become
more important, the question of how the business sector addresses them is also becoming an
element of CSR.
The World Business Council for Sustainable Development has described CSR as the
business contribution to sustainable economic development. Building on a base of compliance
with legislation and regulations, CSR typically includes “beyond law” commitments and
activities pertaining to:
• Corporate governance and ethics;
• Health and safety;
• Environmental stewardship;
• Human rights (including core labour rights);
• Sustainable development;
• Conditions of work (including safety and health, hours of work, wages);
• Industrial relations;
• Community involvement, development and investment;

2. 2
• Involvement of and respect for diverse cultures and disadvantaged peoples;
• Corporate philanthropy and employee volunteering;
• Customer satisfaction and adherence to principles of fair competition;
• Anti-bribery and anti-corruption measures;
• Accountability, transparency and performance reporting; and
• Supplier relations, for both domestic and international supply chains.
Generally, CSR is understood to be the way firms integrate social, environmental and
economic concerns into their values, culture, decision making, strategy and operations in a
transparent and accountable manner, and thereby establish better practices within the firm, create
wealth and improve society.
These elements of CSR are frequently interconnected and interdependent, and apply to
firms wherever they operate in the world.
It is also important to bear in mind that there are two separate drivers for CSR. One
relates to public policy. Because the impacts of the business sector are so large, and with a
potential to be either positive or negative, it is natural that governments and wider society take a
close interest in what business does. This means that the expectations on businesses are rising;
governments will be looking for ways to increase the positive contribution of business. The
second driver is the business driver. Here, CSR considerations can be seen as both costs (e.g., of
introducing new approaches) or benefits (e.g., of improving brand value, or introducing products
that meet sustainability demands). The remainder of this guide addresses the second of these
drivers.
Since businesses play a pivotal role both in job and wealth creation in society and in the
efficient use of natural capital, CSR is a central management concern. It positions companies to
both proactively manage risks and take advantage of opportunities, especially with respect to
their corporate reputation and the broad engagement of stakeholders.

3. 3
The latter can include shareholders, employees, customers, communities, suppliers,
governments, non-governmental organizations, international organizations and others affected by
a company’s activities engagement).
Above all, CSR is about sensitivity to context - both societal and environmental - and
related performance. It is about moving beyond declared intentions to effective and observable
actions and measurable societal impacts. Performance reporting is all part of transparent,
accountable - and, hence, credible - corporate behaviour. There is considerable potential for
problems if stakeholders perceive that a firm is engaging in a public relations exercise and
cannot demonstrate concrete actions that lead to real social and environmental benefits.
“Social responsibility (is the) responsibility of an organisation for the impacts of its decisions
and activities on society and the environment through transparent and ethical behaviour that
is consistent with sustainable development and the welfare of society; takes into account the
expectations of stakeholders; is in compliance with applicable law and consistent with
international norms of behaviour; and is integrated throughout the organisation.”
 Working definition, ISO 26000 Working Group on Social Responsibility, Sydney,
February 2007

4. 4
EMERGENCE OF CSR AS A PUBLIC AND BUSINESS
CONCERN
1950s Social
responsibility
of
businessmen
The obligations of businessmen to pursue policies,
to make decisions or to follow lines of action which
are desirable in terms of the objectives and values of
society
Bowen (1953)
Some socially responsible business decisions can be
justified by the long-run economic gain of the firm,
thus paying back for its socially responsible
behaviour.
Davis (1960)
Private contribution to society’s economic and
human resources and a willingness on the part of
business to see that those resources were utilized for
broad social ends
Frederick (1960)
1960s–1970s Stakeholder
approach
Instead of striving only for larger returns to its
shareholders, a responsible enterprise takes into
account the interests of employees, suppliers,
dealers, local communities and the nation as a
whole.
Johnson (1971)
Three
dimensional
model
The concept consists of corporate responsibilities
(i.e., economic, legal, ethical and philanthropic),
social issues of business (e.g., labour standards,
human rights, environment protection and
anticorruption) and corporate actions (e.g., reactive,
defensive, accommodative and proactive).
Carroll (1979)
1980s-1990s Three-
dimensional
model of
principles,
Integration of the principles of corporate
responsibility, the policies of social issue
management and the process of action into an
evolving system.
Wartick and
Cochran (1985)

5. 5
policies and
processes
Institutional
framework
and
extended
corporate
actions
Four types of corporate responsibilities (i.e.,
economic, legal, ethical and philanthropic) were
linked to three institutional levels (i.e., legal,
organizational and individual), while corporate
actions are extended to assessment, stockholder
management and implementation management.
Wood (1991)
2000s Three-
domains
approach
Three domains of corporate responsibilities:
economic, legal and ethical.
Schwartz and
Carroll (2003)
New concept A process to integrate social, environmental, ethical,
human rights and consumer concerns into business
operations and core strategy in close corporation
with the stakeholders
European
Commission
(2011)

6. 6
IMPORTANCE OF CSR
Many factors and influences have led to increasing attention being devoted to the role of
companies and CSR. These include:
1. SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT:
United Nations (UN) studies and many others have underlined the fact that humankind
is using natural resources at a faster rate than they are being replaced. If this continues, future
generations will not have the resources they need for their development. In this sense, much
of current development is unsustainable—it can’t be continued for both practical and moral
reasons. Related issues include the need for greater attention to poverty alleviation and
respect for human rights. CSR is an entry point for understanding sustainable development
issues and responding to them in a firm’s business strategy.
2. GLOBALIZATION:
With its attendant focus on cross-border trade, multinational enterprises and global
supply chains—economic globalization is increasingly raising CSR concerns related to
human resource management practices, environmental protection, and health and safety,
among other things. CSR can play a vital role in detecting how business impacts labour
conditions, local communities and economies, and what steps can be taken to ensure business
helps to maintain and build the public good. This can be especially important for export-
oriented firms in emerging economies.
3. GOVERNANCE:
Governments and intergovernmental bodies, such as the UN, the Organisation for
Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) and the International Labour
Organization (ILO) have developed various compacts, declarations, guidelines, principles
and other instruments that outline norms for what they consider to be acceptable business
conduct. CSR instruments often reflect internationally-agreed goals and laws regarding
human rights, the environment and anti-corruption.

7. 7
4. CORPORATESECTOR IMPACT:
The sheer size and number of corporations, and their potential to impact political, social
and environmental systems relative to governments and civil society, raise questions about
influence and accountability. Even small and medium size enterprises (SMEs), which
collectively represent the largest single employer, have a significant impact. Companies are
global ambassadors of change and values.
5. COMMUNICATIONS:
Advances in communications technology, such as the Internet and mobile phones, are
making it easier to track and discuss corporate activities. Internally, this can facilitate
management, reporting and change. Externally, NGOs, the media and others can quickly
assess and profile business practices they view as either problematic or exemplary. In the
CSR context, modern communications technology offers opportunities to improve dialogue
and partnerships.
6. FINANCE:
Consumers and investors are showing increasing interest in supporting responsible
business practices and are demanding more information on how companies are addressing
risks and opportunities related to social and environmental issues. A sound CSR approach
can help build share value, lower the cost of capital, and ensure better responsiveness to
markets.
7. ETHICS:
A number of serious and high-profile breaches of corporate ethics resulting in damage to
employees, shareholders, communities or the environment-as well as share price-have
contributed to elevated public mistrust of corporations. A CSR approach can help improve
corporate governance, transparency, accountability and ethics.
8. CONSISTENCYAND COMMUNITY:
Citizens in many countries are making it clear that corporations should meet the same high
standards of social and environmental care, no matter where they operate. In the CSR

8. 8
context, firms can help build a sense of community and shared approach to common
problems.
9. LEADERSHIP:
At the same time, there is increasing awareness of the limits of government legislative and
regulatory initiatives to effectively capture all the issues that CSR address. CSR can offer the
flexibility and incentive for firms to act in advance of regulations, or in areas where
regulations seem unlikely.
10.BUSINESS TOOL:
Businesses are recognizing that adopting an effective approach to CSR can reduce the risk of
business disruptions, open up new opportunities, drive innovation, enhance brand and
company reputation and even improve efficiency.

9. 9
BENEFITS OF CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY
Key potential benefits for firms implementing CSR include:
1. BETTER ANTICIPATION AND MANAGEMENT OF AN EVER-
EXPANDING SPECTRUM OF RISK:
Effectively managing governance, legal, social, environmental, economic and
other risks in an increasingly complex market environment, with greater oversight and
stakeholder scrutiny of corporate activities, can improve the security of supply and
overall market stability. Considering the interests of parties concerned about a firm’s
impact is one way of better anticipating and managing risk.
2. IMPROVED REPUTATION MANAGEMENT:
Organizations that perform well with regard to CSR can build their reputation,
while those that perform poorly can damage brand and company value when exposed.
Reputation, or brand equity, is founded on values such as trust, credibility, reliability,
quality and consistency. Even for firms that do not have direct retail exposure through
brands, their reputation for addressing CSR issues as a supply chain partner - both good
and bad - can be crucial commercially.
3. ENHANCED ABILITY TO RECRUIT, DEVELOP AND RETAIN
STAFF.
This can be the direct result of pride in the company’s products and practices, or
of introducing improved human resources practices, such as “family-friendly” policies. It
can also be the indirect result of programs and activities that improve employee morale
and loyalty. Employees are not only front-line sources of ideas for improved
performance, but are champions of a company for which they are proud to work.

10. 10
4. IMPROVED INNOVATION, COMPETITIVENESS AND MARKET
POSITIONING.
CSR is as much about seizing opportunity as avoiding risk. Drawing feedback
from diverse stakeholders can be a rich source of ideas for new products, processes and
markets, resulting in competitive advantages.
The history of good business has always been one of being alert to trends,
innovation, and responding to markets. Increasingly, mainstream advertising features the
environmental or social benefits of products (e.g., hybrid cars, unleaded petrol, ethically
produced coffee, wind turbines, etc.).
5. ENHANCED OPERATIONAL EFFICIENCIES AND COST
SAVINGS.
These flow in particular from improved efficiencies identified through a
systematic approach to management that includes continuous improvement. For example,
assessing the environmental and energy aspects of an operation can reveal opportunities
for turning waste streams into revenue streams and for system-wide reductions in energy
use, and costs.
6. IMPROVED ABILITY TO ATTRACT AND BUILD EFFECTIVE
AND EFFICIENT SUPPLYCHAIN RELATIONSHIPS.
A firm is vulnerable to the weakest link in its supply chain. Like-minded
companies can form profitable long-term business relationships by improving standards,
and thereby reducing risks. Larger firms can stimulate smaller firms with whom they do
business to implement a CSR approach. For example, some large apparel retailers require
their suppliers to comply with worker codes and standards.
7. ENHANCED ABILITY TO ADDRESS CHANGE.
A company with its “ear to the ground” through regular stakeholder dialogue is in
a better position to anticipate and respond to regulatory, economic, social and
environmental changes that may occur. Increasingly, firms use CSR as a “radar” to detect
evolving trends in the market.

11. 11
8. MORE ROBUST “SOCIAL LICENCE” TO OPERATE IN THE
COMMUNITY:
Improved citizen and stakeholder understanding of the firm and its objectives and
activities translate into improved stakeholder relations. This, in turn, may evolve into
more robust and enduring public, private and civil society alliances (all of which relate
closely to CSR reputation, discussed above). CSR can help build “social capital.”

12. 12
LIMITATIONS OF CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY
Most corporations, especially multinational corporations (MNCs) have already adopted
CSR policy despite the fact that there are still debates over the concept. Under globalization,
states power has weakened where as the power and influence MNCs have significantly
strengthened, making them become more state-like. This expansion of role played by MNCs in
society has urged the rise of concern groups to pressurize on them to take up more social
responsibility. If CSR policy is adopted so widely by different corporations, the question to be
asked here is ‘why are there still exploitations?’
1. LIMITATIONS OF JURISDICTIONS
Under globalization, many corporations have outsourced their products manufacturing
process to other countries, mainly developing countries. In those countries, domestic legislations
do not usually provide sufficient protection on labour, such as minimum wage or guidelines on
health and safety in the workplace. Even countries like China, which does have a well drafted
labour protection legislation, labour exploitation issues still exist because of weak enforcement
of the law.
2. NO DIRECT RESPONSIBILITY IMPOSED ON THE PURCHASING
FIRMS
Even if the domestic law is well enforced, the purchasing MNCs are not legally
responsible for any of the charges. Ultimately, it is the domestic factory or firm will be held
responsible. Since there almost no punitive measures on the MNCs, the law and enforcement
system fail to function here. Since it is not an obligatory commitment for the MNCs to provide
fair and safe labour treatment, whether a MNC will give equal treatments to factory workers will
largely depend on how socially responsible they are. Although acquiring state-like
characteristics, businesses are nonetheless still profit-driven actors.

13. 13
3. DIFFICULTIES IN AUDITING
In order to comply with higher standard of CSR, some firms have undergone active
research and auditing on the firms they hired in their supply chain. Discrepancies between reality
and audit results do exist. One very crucial difficulty in auditing is that the factory can always
hide the bad things since they know what they look for. Workers could also be under pressure
and not tell the truth. Since difficulties exist while carrying out active auditing, its effectiveness
and reliability is therefore questionable.
4. STAKEHOLDER PRIORITIES
Increasingly, corporations are motivated to become more socially responsible because
their most important stakeholders expect them to understand and address the social and
community issues that are relevant to them. This normative model implies that the CSR
collaborations are positively accepted when they are in the interests of stakeholders and may
have no effect or be detrimental to the organization if they are not directly related to stakeholder
interests. The stakeholder perspective suffers from a wheel and spoke network metaphor that
does not acknowledge the complexity of network interactions that can occur in cross sector
partnerships. It also relegates communication to a maintenance function, similar to the exchange
perspective.
5. INDUSTRIES CONSIDEREDVOID OF CSR
Several industries are often absent from CSR research. The absence is due to
the presumption that these particular industries fail to achieve ethical considerations of their
consumers. Typical industries include tobacco and alcohol producers ("sin industry"
manufacturers), as well as defense firms.

14. 14
MICROSOFT CORPORATION
1. INTRODUCTION:
Headquartered in Redmond, Washington, Microsoft is a multinational computer software,
services and solutions company for consumers and businesses. Founded by William (Bill) H.
Gates III in 1975 and co-founder Paul Allen, Microsoft is known globally for its Microsoft
Windows operating system and Microsoft Office suite of products, including Internet Explorer,
Excel, PowerPoint and Word programs. Moving into consumer electronics, Microsoft also offers
the Xbox and Xbox 360 video game consoles and the Zune mp3 music device.
2. THE FACTS:
Consistently ranked by Fortune magazine as one the "World's Most Admired Companies"
and among the top 50 largest companies in the United States, Microsoft's revenue reached US$
86.83 billion in 2014, leading to a net income of US$ 22.07 billion. In 2014 Microsoft’s net
income was estimated at US$ 22.07 billion. Operating globally, some 128,076 (June 2014)
employees work in 105 countries. Microsoft conducted its initial public stock offering (IPO) in
1986.
The name "Microsoft" is synonymous with computers in popular culture; however, this
ubiquity came at a price. The company faces criticism in the United States and abroad for anti-
trust tactics, accused of monopolistic business practices.

15. 15
3. HISTORY:
Microsoft capitalized on the need for an operating system for the blossoming personal
computer industry. Gates developed the BASIC programming language in the late 1970s, but the
DOS operating system created for the IBM personal computer in the early 1980s solidified
Microsoft's position. Teaming with IBM on additional projects, Gates and his team also
developed a series of languages for new IBM systems: BASIC, FORTRAN, COBOL, and
Pascal. As IBM computers grew faster and more efficient in the late 1980s, Microsoft continued
to upgrade the now renamed MS-DOS, while also marketing the system to other manufacturers.
After the company's IPO in 1986, it received the funds necessary to increase research and
development, which led to the introduction of Microsoft Office, a software bundle created to
improve business productivity, including Word and Excel. Microsoft Office soon became the
market leader, far surpassing its closest competitors.
The explosion of the Internet in the 1990s initially caught Microsoft off guard. However,
it soon recovered with Internet Explorer (released in 1995), a web portal that gave users a
starting point for Internet activities. Internet Explorer became the de facto web homepage.
Microsoft also launched other web ventures, including Microsoft Network (MSN). In 1996, the
company teamed with NBC to create the MSNBC cable news network.
In 1998, Steve Ballmer replaced Gates as president, with Gates remaining CEO and
Chairman of the Board. Microsoft then released the Windows 98 operating system, which
included web-based upgrades. In 2001, Microsoft XP appeared, tying together features of its
consumer and business programs. In 2007, the company released Windows Vista.
Not content with relying solely on its operating systems for revenue, Microsoft branched
into other industries, including mp3 devices, mobile operating systems, computer peripherals,
web products for the television, electronic publishing, computer games, and computer gaming
consoles. In 2001, it released the Xbox console and the Xbox 360 in 2005.

16. 16
4. BILL GATES:
One of the most recognizable and richest men in the world, Bill Gates co-founded
Microsoft and built it into one of the most important corporations in business history. While
running day-to-day operations at Microsoft, Gates served as CEO and chief software architect.
He turned daily management over to Steve Ballmer in 2000. In June 2006, he stepped down as a
full-time employee, remaining Chairman of the Board of Directors. Gates transitioned to running
the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, founded in 2000. Central to the organization's mission is
alleviating disease and poverty globally and on education programs for children.
5. THE WORLD'S OPERATING SYSTEM:
Microsoft Windows is the company's flagship product and accounts for most of its
revenue. The Windows operating system is almost ubiquitous with computers. According to a
Gartner Inc. report quoted in The Wall Street Journal, Microsoft holds a 96.6 percent market
share. Open source and the Android operating system created by Google are expected to take
away a small percentage of this lead in the future, but only 2 to 3 percentage points.
6. POTENTIAL:
Similar to companies worldwide, Microsoft is adapting to the new economic times. The
company announced a 6 percent drop in revenue ($13.65 billion) in its third quarter of 2009 from
the year earlier. Also in 2009, Microsoft laid off employees (5,000) for the first time in company
history.
Despite the gloomy economic picture, Microsoft is poised to capitalize on its history of
significant investment in research and development (totaling $8.2 billion in 2008). Most
important is the 2010 launch of the Windows 7 operating system.

17. 17
7. LATEST NEWS:
JOHN W. THOMPSON REPLACES BILL GATES AS CHAIRMAN OF MICROSOFT
BOARD
John W. Thompson, CEO of Virtual Instruments and former CEO of Symantec Corp, was named
chairman of Microsoft’s board of directors, on 4th February, 2014
Thompson has served as an independent director on the board of Microsoft and also brings his
experience as a former vice-president at IBM to his current post.
MICROSOFT ANNOUNCES NEW CEO
 Full Name: Satya Nadella
 Birthplace: Hyderabad, India
 Born: 1967
 Residence: Bellevue, Washington
 Education: BS, MSCS, MBA
 Hobbies: Cricket, Poetry
Microsoft Corp. announced on 4th February, 2014 that its Board of Directors has appointed
Satya Nadella as Chief Executive Officer and member of the Board of Directors effective
immediately. Nadella previously held the position of Executive Vice President of Microsoft’s
Cloud and Enterprise group.
“During this time of transformation, there is no better person to lead Microsoft
than Satya Nadella,” said Bill Gates, Microsoft’s Founder and Member of the Board of
Directors. “Satya is a proven leader with hard-core engineering skills, business vision and the
ability to bring people together. His vision for how technology will be used and experienced
around the world is exactly what Microsoft needs as the company enters its next chapter of
expanded product innovation and growth.”
As Satya Nadella becomes the third CEO of Microsoft, he brings a relentless drive for
innovation and a spirit of collaboration to his new role. He joined Microsoft 22 years ago
because he saw how clearly Microsoft empowers people to do magical things and ultimately
make the world a better place. Many companies, he says, “aspire to change the world. But very
few have all the elements required: talent, resources and perseverance. Microsoft has proven that
it has all three in abundance.”

18. 18
CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY AT MICROSOFT
CORPORATION
Good corporate citizenship starts at home. To meet the responsibilities as a global
company, they’re continually working to create a respectful and rewarding work environment for
the nearly 100,000 employees. They’re also pioneering new ways of reducing the environmental
impact.
This year, they introduced an internal carbon fee that helped us meet the FY13 goal of
carbon neutrality. In addition, they’re continually strengthening expectations for the hardware
production suppliers to improve the working conditions and environmental performance of
electronics factories around the world. They recognize the important responsibility they have to
respect human rights, and they work to bring the power of technology to bear to promote respect
for human rights throughout the world.
Through the Microsoft Technology and Human Rights Center, they’re working internally
to promote the integration of human rights into the company’s culture, business operations, and
strategies. Externally, they’re seeking to advance public understanding of the role business can
play in driving respect for human rights.
Since the release of the first product in 1975, they’ve demonstrated the promise of
computing to change the world. But as they’ve grown as a company, so have the world’s social
and economic challenges. They’re responding by applying the technology, ingenuity, and
collaborative spirit to help solve these critical challenges and create fulfilling and exciting
opportunities for people everywhere. They focus the commitment to corporate citizenship in two
ways: working responsibly in the own business and serving the communities around the world.

19. 19
“MICROSOFT YOUTH SPARK”
Today’s youth aspire to make a better future — for themselves and the world around
them. Microsoft Youth Spark empowers hundreds of millions of future achievers to imagine,
explore, and realize their potential by connecting them with greater opportunities for education,
employment, and entrepreneurship.
Young people face a world that’s rapidly changing. As economies shift, industries
emerge, and technology sets the pace, the gap between those who have access, skills, and
opportunities and those who don’t is glaring. We believe technology can help bridge this
opportunity divide and secure the future of young people and the global economy. That’s why
we’re empowering youth by increasing access to technology and equipping them with the tools
and skills they need to succeed. Through our partnerships, programs, and initiatives, we’re
inspiring youth to imagine and build a better future for themselves and their communities
Empowering youth through technology and education
For young people to succeed in today’s economy — and help build the economy of the
future — they need direct access to both technology and relevant skills, along with support from
teachers, leaders, governments, and nonprofits. They’re connecting youth with the resources they
need to make a real impact for a better tomorrow.
 Helped youth gain new skills, education, and training by providing Youth Spark grants to
nonprofits worldwide. As part of the commitment to create opportunities for 300 million
youth globally over the next three years, they launched partnerships with the European Youth
Forum; the China Foundation for Youth Employment and Entrepreneurship; Trust for the
Americas; and the African Centre for Women and ICT, among many other youth-focused
nonprofits. In FY13, they awarded grants to a total of 186 nonprofit organizations in 62
countries.
 Accelerated learning and collaboration among students and teachers worldwide through
Office 365 for Education, which provides access to Word, PowerPoint, and Excel, and a
range of communications tools, including email, instant messaging, group video, and voice
chat.

20. 20
 Fostered shared learning experiences around the world while building global communities
for students to meet new people, speak to experts, and share ideas through Skype in the
Classroom. Nearly 2 million students worldwide have benefited from the program.
 Microsoft is helping transform education by equipping teachers and preparing youth with the
technology skills they need to succeed.
 Empowered educators with technology to enhance learning in their classrooms through
Partners in Learning. The Partners in Learning Network added 788,000 educators from 134
countries and reached 10 million students in FY13.
 Addressed the urgent need to improve computer science education during K–12 years by
placing Microsoft employees into high schools across the United States as part of the
Technology Education and Literacy in Schools (TEALS) program. In the 2012–2013 school
year, 1,500 students from 35 schools in seven states gained access to computer science
courses to help inspire and prepare them for university study.
 Gave educators resources training, and software to help them teach computing and technical
classes through the Faculty Connection program, which reached 5.4 million students in
FY13. They’re inspiring young people to imagine what’s possible for their futures through
programs that develop new skills, engage leaders, and ignite imaginations.
 Created the global Innovate for Good online community, which encourages and enables
youth to collaborate, inspire, & support each other’s groundbreaking ideas for social change.
Launched in 2012, program brought together more than 2,200 members in 76 countries in its
first year through local events & online engagement tools.
 Championed technology and technology-focused careers for high school girls as part of the
Digi Girlz program, which fosters connections with Microsoft employees through hands-on
computer and technology workshops.
 Advanced the teaching and learning of technical skills during the critical high school and
college years through Dream Spark, which offered more than 12 million students and
educators free access to Microsoft designer and developer tools.
Microsoft Helps the Environment, Contributes to ‘PAPERLESS’ Schools
 In 2003, Microsoft Corporation joined forces with the School District of Philadelphia in an
attempt to help out the environment by creating America's first 'paperless' school. It was

21. 21
called 'School of the Future'. As a result, they have inspired other schools across the U.S. to
do the same.
“DONATING SOFTWARE & SERVICES TO NONPROFITS
WORLDWIDE”
With the right software, nonprofits can provide faster, better service and operate more
efficiently. They donate hundreds of millions of dollars in software each year through the
Technology for Good program.
• Increased software donations to 13 percent more nonprofits in FY13, empowering 70,286
organizations globally. They now have software donation programs in 117 countries around the
world.
• Provided $795 million worth of software to nonprofits around the world — including matched
donations through the employee giving program.
• Gave nonprofits and educational institutions access to half a million refurbished Windows
devices by enabling manufacturers to affordably and legally license refurbished PCs through the
Microsoft Registered Refurbisher program.
• Enrolled 670 additional nonprofits in the refurbished PC program, which makes restored
hardware available to nonprofits at an affordable price. This year, they expanded the program to
include Windows Multi Point Servers, which allow organizations to run multiple workstations
through a single central computer.
• Funded the International Computer Refurbishers Summit, which provides training and
knowledge- sharing opportunities on how to refurbish used electronics for the benefit of both
nonprofit and commercial interests. The summit helps build community capacity by giving
participants new insights and workshop skills.
• Made it easier for people to connect to friends and family during disasters through the Help
Bridge mobile app. Supported by Windows Azure, the app also helps people quickly identify
disaster relief organizations that need financial and volunteer support.
• Launched the Windows 8 Apps for Social Good contest, which encourages developers to create
apps that have a positive impact on the world around them. FY13 winners included an app that

22. 22
helps users locate medicine at a reduced cost, and an app that combats obesity by informing
users how to prepare nutritious, healthy meals at home.
• Encouraged students to develop solutions to real social issues with the Imagine Cup Grant
program — a three-year, $3 million competitive program that awards cash, software, and access
to a select number of Imagine Cup worldwide finalists. Team Graph masters, one of this year’s
winners, created a traffic navigation system that reduces vehicle carbon emissions, fuel costs,
and traffic jams by intelligently routing vehicles based on traffic and weather conditions.
EMPLOYEE GIVING
Employee giving is a cornerstone of the citizenship efforts and an integral part of
Microsoft culture. In 2013, they celebrated the 30th annual giving campaign and surpassed $1
billion in contributions to more than 31,000 nonprofits around the world. The success of the
employee giving campaign reflects the respect and appreciation for the employees and the
dedication to serving the communities where they live and work.
Employee giving occurs year-round at Microsoft. They have a special push each October,
when they hold a range of campaign kickoff events, such as a 5K run, an online auction, and
more than 300 other employee-led activities. In the United States, they match nonprofit
donations and volunteering up to $12,000 per employee each year.
• Contributed $105 million through the employee giving and company match program in
calendar year 2012 — an increase of 4.4 percent from 2011.
• Donated more than $7.1 million in calendar year 2012 through the $17-per-hthe volunteer
matching gift program — part of the $105 million employee giving total. Since the program
began in 2006, employees have volunteered more than 2 million hours, which they’ve matched
with more than $34 million.
• Reached a new high of 64 percent participation in the employee giving campaign among the
U.S. employees in calendar year 2012 — with 37 percent volunteering more than 60 hours or
donating more than $1,000.
• Provided employees outside of the United States at least three paid days off to volunteer.
• Committed $4 million through employee contributions and company matching to the American
Red Cross and Mayors Fund in the United States, in the wake of Hurricane Sandy.

23. 23
Compensation and benefits
They attract the world’s best talent through competitive compensation, benefits, and
rewards, all of which contribute to a world-class work environment that motivates great people
to do great work. Many of the benefits programs are managed at a local level to ensure they are
competitive locally and meet the varying interests and needs of the employees around the world.
• Rewarded approximately 95 percent of eligible employees with performance-based bonuses
and stock awards.
• Promoted healthy eating with the farm-to fork initiative and made-from-scratch food options in
campus cafes.
• Contributed up to $3,750 per employee to health savings accounts, which provide employees
with tax-advantaged savings for current or future health care needs.
• Invested in employee retirement readiness by matching contributions to 401(k) plans at up to 3
percent of employee pay. In FY13, 87 percent of the employees participated in the 401(k) plan.
• Continued to provide U.S. health care benefits that rank among the best in the industry
furthering the long-standing commitment of providing the highest-quality care for the employees
and their families.
• Launched a major campaign to educate employees and their families on how to take advantage
of Microsoft’s new health plan and supporting benefits. The campaign included video shorts, in-
person and online benefits briefings, and an interactive online decision guide.
• Expanded the U.S. Stay Fit benefit to support a wider range of fitness goals. The benefit offers
a reimbursement of up to $800 per year for a large variety of fitness-related expenses, including
workout or recreational sports equipment, personal training, fitness classes, or fitness center
memberships.
• Attracted 8,500 participants to Campus Jam 2013, an annual event at the Redmond campus that
showcases Microsoft’s wellness benefits, with an emphasis on making fitness fun. This year’s
activities included a 5K campus fun run that attracted 21 percent more runners than last year,
wellness seminars, sports clinics, and a variety of other activities and events for employees and
families.
• Opened the Living Well Health Center at the Redmond campus, a full-service health center
designed specifically for Microsoft employees that emphasizes convenience, privacy, and

24. 24
comfort. The Living Well Health Center provides employees with preventive care, acute care,
physical therapy, chiropractic care, wellness coaching, and a full-service pharmacy.
• Encouraged employees to be more active throughout the day with the Move It! Physical
activity challenge, a one-month competition across the United States that awards prizes for
activities such as taking the stairs, working out, or playing with ythe kids. Approximately 12,000
U.S. employees registered for the challenge in FY13.
HUMANITARIAN RESPONSE
When disaster strikes, every minute counts. Relief agencies rely on quick, accurate
communications to help people and businesses get back to normal as quickly as possible. The
technology helps organizations keep vital information flowing during emergencies.
When Hurricane Sandy hit the U.S. mainland in October 2012 — destroying thousands of
homes and leaving millions without power — the Microsoft Disaster Response team was ready.
As the hurricane was still gathering momentum over the Atlantic Ocean, the team
deployed Microsoft Ready Reach, a cloud-based information portal that uses Windows Azure to
help emergency-management agencies and relief workers rapidly coordinate response efforts.
In addition to offering cloud-based maps that show the impact of a disaster in real time,
the portal makes use of social media to communicate information to disaster victims about
shelters, aid, and safe driving routes. It also makes it easier for people to connect with
humanitarian relief agencies in the area in need of money, food, or volunteers. The portal
received a record 32,766 views during Hurricane Sandy.
The Ready Reach response portal is one of many ways the Microsoft Disaster Response
team uses technology to keep vital information flowing during emergencies — both individually
and in tandem with leading humanitarian response organizations and technology partners.
Microsoft also provided a safe location for people to store their family emergency
response plans or insurance policies through Sky Drive for Windows or Mac — accessible from
any PC or smart phone.
In addition, in partnership with Aid matrix, the team launched the Notes from the Ground
program in late 2012. This portal delivers eyewitness responder stories to readers via photos,

25. 25
videos, and messages, helping increase awareness of conditions on the ground and rally
community support.
Responding To Disasters
The Microsoft Disaster Response program improves disaster preparedness and response through
the delivery of technology and expertise for citizens, lead responders, and businesses.
Current responses: Access Microsoft’s Ready Reach response portal in the event of a current
large-scale natural disaster. Here you will find situational information and resources to help keep
you safe, enable you to connect with others, and provide details for ways you can help.
Past responses: Over the last few decades, Microsoft has provided support for more than 200
natural disasters. Following represent a few of our response efforts over the years.
2013 Philippines Typhoon Haiyan (known locallyas Yolanda)
On November 8, 2013, one of the strongest storms to ever make landfall struck the Visayas
region of the Philippines displacing over 4 million people. In response, Microsoft collaborated
across the technology industry to deploy TV White Space radios in the Philippines to enable
Internet connectivity for impacted citizens. Microsoft also played a key role in the deployment of
3 emergency.lu connectivity kits with Skype low bandwidth, enabling communications for 5,000
humanitarian aid workers. Altogether, between cash and in-kind donations, Microsoft provided
$1.1 million in relief support.
2012 EastCoastUSA storms
Hurricane Sandy made landfall along the U.S. East Coast with heavy winds, driving rain, and a
storm surge. This was followed by power outages and flooding. Microsoft provided support and
services for first responders, nonprofit relief agencies, customers and partners, and citizens in the
areas impacted by the East Coast USA storms, and committed cash and in-kind donations of
software, hardware and services to support relief efforts, altogether totaling $2.5 million. In
addition, Microsoft’s employees, including corporate match, donated more than $1.5 million to
relief efforts.

26. 26
2011 JapanEarthquake
After a massive earthquake and tsunami hit Japan and caused a nuclear crisis in March 2011,
disaster relief teams, government officials, and Japanese citizens struggled to share basic
information and communicate with one another. In response, Microsoft created and used cloud
solutions to help connect relief organizations, governments, businesses, and the public during the
aftermath. Windows Azure cloud services were used to create websites for disaster relief efforts,
including the website for MEXT (the Japanese Government's Ministry of Education, Culture,
Sports, Science, and Technology), a major government information portal. Additionally, the
MSN East Japan Earthquake Information website conveyed crucial news and information for
evacuees and volunteers, as well as useful safety information such as an interactive map of
radioactivity levels and a map of planned blackouts.
2010 Haiti Earthquake
On January 12, 2010, a 7.0-magnitude earthquake struck near the Haitian capital Port-au-Prince.
Microsoft worked closely with partners TM Software and IDV to support the United Nations
Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) through the deployment, support
and hosting of OneResponse in Haiti — the collaboration portal for information exchange and
situational awareness to coordinate the international relief efforts of the humanitarian
community. Additionally, through Microsoft's support, nonprofit partner, NetHope, was able to
set up an immediate response, with specific focus on establishing temporary telecommunications
infrastructure to allow humanitarian agencies to communicate and provide relief to those
affected.
2008 China Earthquake
Within hours of the May 2008 earthquake in the Chan's Sichuan Province, Microsoft began
working on relief and recovery efforts. The company and its employees collectively donated
US$1.4 million over two years to help rebuild schools and restore education programs in affected
communities. When the outpouring of online donations to the Chinese Red Cross Foundation
caused its Web site to crash, engineers from the Microsoft China Technology Center helped
launch a new site that could process more than 10,000 transactions per day. Microsoft employees
in the region also helped provide technical assistance to affected customers and partners, restore
local telecommunications service, and post online news reports from areas hit by the quake.

27. 27
2005 Hurricane Katrina
Following the devastating impact of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, Microsoft worked with the
American Red Cross to create the Safe and Well Web site, and its employees committed more
than $11 million (U.S.) in cash contributions and technology solutions to the Hurricane Katrina
and Hurricane Rita relief response. Several months after the initial crisis, Microsoft made
additional investments of $1 million to organizations involved in rebuilding the region and
assisting displaced families.
ACCESSIBILITY
Today’s rapid advances in technology give people the opportunities to connect, engage,
and contribute more fully to society. The technologies inspire people of all ages and abilities to
make the most of their potential — eliminating barriers, improving lives, and strengthening
communities.
Technology empowers people — including seniors, people with disabilities, and youth —
to participate at the centers of social and political life. They embed accessibility features into our
web services, software, and hardware, and they partner with others to advance important causes,
helping the customers do more with their talents and interests.
Expanding opportunity for people with disabilities
For people with disabilities or hearing and vision impairments, accessible technologies
can eliminate obstacles and broaden opportunities. They strive to build accessibility into many of
the products and services, provide resources that open new doors, and partner with others to
discover ways of using technology to improve lives.
• Took a leadership role on accessibility by supporting the formation of the International
Association of Accessibility Professionals. This group will provide the strategic leadership,
international perspective, and operational focus needed to globally elevate the accessibility
profession and build a worldwide infrastructure for accessible technology development.
• Worked with UN Human Rights to strengthen provisions in the International Convention on the
Rights of Persons with Disabilities. Supported by a study conducted in collaboration with

28. 28
Middlesex University and others, the new provisions also suggest ways that the United Nations
could improve its own accessibility.
• Helped address the needs of people with autism by sponsoring and hosting Hack Autism in
March 2013. Supported by the Bing Fund, the hackathon brought people together — thinkers,
hackers, designers — to develop scenario-specific prototypes to help advance knowledge and
develop solutions.
• Created a set of Microsoft Office templates for families to use after a child has been diagnosed
with autism, in conjunction with Autism Speaks. The templates theyre one of many Microsoft
initiatives in support of autism-related causes this year.
• Provided assistance to customers with disabilities or who need support with accessibility
features on assistive technologies — such as screen readers, screen magnifiers, or speech-
recognition commands — by opening the Microsoft Accessibility
Support Desk. Free of charge, the support desk offers specialized assistance from trained agents.
Sounds that unlock the world
Amos Miller was thrilled. As a managing architect for Microsoft Consulting Services
(MCS) in the United Kingdom, Miller — who is blind — had just confirmed that his proof-of-
concept innovations for people with visual impairments had succeeded.
He had conceived a whole new way to interact with his surroundings. Miller’s 3-D
Soundscape helps people with visual impairments overcome their anxiety and move about on
their own by emitting audio beacons from destinations around town. Rather than a voice saying
“Starbucks 20 steps ahead on the left,” the 3-D Soundscape sends an audio cue from the actual
location to create a more meaningful 360-degree world.
Miller’s team also designed the Windows 8 UX app, which allows people to use voice
and natural gestures such as swiping, tapping, and scrolling to understand and interact with
information appearing on their screen — without using their eyes.

29. 29
Improving wellness for seniors
Older adults can live more independent and productive lives with the help of innovative
technologies. They partner with community groups and local governments to promote the use of
technologies that reduce social isolation, increase wellness, and enhance the quality of life for
seniors.
• Broadened the effort to help seniors get fit, socialize, and manage their personal health online
with the Exergamers Wellness Club. The program — which employs Microsoft Kinect for Xbox
360, Xbox LIVE, and Microsoft Health Vault — is now offered to senior centers throughout Los
Angeles. Participants can take part in friendly video-game competitions while also uploading and
tracking important health data, such as blood pressure and glucose readings, through their online
profiles.
• Launched a new Exergamers program in New York City in collaboration with New York City’s
Department for the Aging and Department of Information Technology & Telecommunications.
The fitness program is part of the city’s Innovative Senior Center project, a citywide effort to
encourage better fitness and wellness among New York City’s older adults.
• Received an innovation award for senior programming from the National Association of Area
Agencies on Aging (n4a), the leading voice on aging issues. The award recognized the success
with the Exergamers Wellness Club, which they developed in collaboration with the City of Los
Angeles Department of Aging.
Environmental sustainability
Technology can help create a more sustainable future. This year, they modeled a way forward by
making the operations leaner and more energy efficient — helping us meet the FY13 goal of
carbon neutrality — and reducing the environmental impact of the services and devices.
Making the operations carbonneutral
Climate change presents serious global challenges that require bold responses. With the
commitment to carbon neutrality, they’re taking accountability for the impact of the operations
by embedding sustainability into all of the business decisions. The approach to carbon neutrality
has three pillars.

30. 30
Be lean
They’re setting targets to improve energy efficiency in the data centers, labs, and offices, as well
as reduce the use of air travel.
Be green
They’re purchasing more renewable energy and establishing goals to reduce the waste and water
use.
Be accountable
They’re measuring the carbon impact of the operations and charging the business groups a fee
for their associated carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions.
Developing technologies to reduce environmental impact
Information technology accounts for up to 4 percent of electricity consumed globally. To keep
such power use in line, they’re building new efficiencies into the products and services to help
the customers reduce their environmental impact. And as the customers and collaborators put
their energies into using the products, they’re advancing the conversation about conservation and
climate change mitigation.
Improving energy efficiency in products and services
Much like the cloud has revolutionized business efficiency, they’ve transformed how efficient
cloud storage can be. Through the online products and solutions, they’re helping Microsoft users
worldwide reduce their own energy consumption.
• Reduced the customers’ environmental impact by hosting Microsoft cloud services in the
advanced, highly efficient data centers. Small and medium-size businesses that use Microsoft
cloud services can reduce their energy use and associated carbon emissions by up to 90 percent
compared with on-premises delivery.
• Cut PC energy consumption while driving better performance through power management
features built into the hardware and Windows 8.
• Equipped IT managers to better discover, track, and implement potential energy efficiencies
with centrally managed tools such as Microsoft’s System Center Configuration Manager.
• Helped customers avoid emissions from shipping and packaging through the Digital by Choice
program, which offers digital software distribution and dematerializes CD and DVD production.

31. 31
• Redesigned the products for improved environmental performance. Windows 8, for example,
makes power management seamless and efficient across multiple devices, including laptops, net
books, desktops, or tablets. They also expanded on the significant battery-life improvements
made in Windows 7 and further developed them in Windows 8, such as giving PCs and laptops
the ability to instantly switch bettheyen low- and high power modes.
• Created a public website and hosted events and programs to foster community knowledge in
life cycle sustainability, particularly the environmental choices related to buying, using, and
disposing of electronics.
• Reduced standby power use for the Xbox 360 by a factor of 10 since its launch in 2005. Now
using less than three-tenths of a watt, the efficiencies have resulted in a 60 percent reduction in
energy use.
Informing discussions of climate change
Climate change mitigation requires action and understanding. We’re helping collect, study, and
manage research into the impact of climate change to support conservation strategies and inform
public policy
• Mapped out threats to endangered wildlife in partnership with the International Union for
Conservation of Nature and Natural Resthece’s Red List of Threatened Species. The dedicated
team of CEES environmental scientists developed software built on SQL Server 2012 and Bing
Maps to strengthen research and create a repository of evidence for threats to species.
• Helped preserve threatened plant and animal species in Latin America through Live ANDES, a
data collection and processing tool developed by Microsoft Research in collaboration with the
Pontifical Catholic University of Chile and the Latin American and Caribbean Collaborative ICT
Research Virtual Institute.

32. 32
HUMAN RIGHTS
Rapid advances in technology create new ways for people to exercise their human rights,
yet also introduce new human rights risks. As a global technology company, they are committed
to helping people express and protect their fundamental liberties around the world.
The power of technology to promote human rights
While technology itself doesn’t take sides, technology providers can play a powerful role
in promoting human rights and helping people understand the risks and rewards of using
technology. We believe companies such as Microsoft have a responsibility to uphold universally
accepted standards of human rights and protect people’s privacy — starting with the design and
manufacturing of our products.
Our Global Human Rights Statement is a powerful beacon for our business — a
foundational influence for relevant policies and practices. The statement lays out a common set
of human rights principles and helps guide key business decisions in critical areas, such as
privacy, security, freedom of expression, labor rights, equality, diversity, and access to
education.
They believe technology should help people achieve their full potential in accordance
with fundamental human rights. In January 2013, they launched the Microsoft Technology and
Human Rights Center at the World Economic Forum 2013 Annual Meeting in Davos,
Switzerland. A cornerstone of the human rights activities, the center will help us further integrate
human rights into the culture and throughout the operations. They’ll also work through the center
to advance public understanding of the human rights impacts of information and communications
technology (ICT). The FY13 actions in this area encompassed two main categories: anti-human
trafficking and online safety
• Supported the global fight against human trafficking and helped empower young women to
become leaders in computer science by sponsoring the International Women’s Hackathon. The
crowd sourcing event, which involved 395 women on 11 university campuses worldwide, was
aimed at developing technical solutions to advance the missions of three nonprofits: FAIR Girls,
Rights4Girls, and The Hindsight Group.

33. 33
• Advocated increased adoption of anti-child pornography tools like Microsoft PhotoDNA, an
image-matching technology used by leading companies, nongovernmental agencies (NGOs), and
law enforcement agencies to help stop the redistribution of the worst-known images of child
sexual exploitation online.
• Partnered with several organizations to combat human trafficking through the Internet,
including the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy, the White House Council
on Women and Girls, several U.S. state attorneys general, the UN Global Initiative to Fight
Human Trafficking, and local police agencies.
-- Informed California’s report “The State of Human Trafficking in California 2012,” in
partnership with the office of California Attorney General Kamala Harris. Released in November
2012, the report includes information on how organizations can use technology to investigate and
prosecute traffickers and assist victims.
-- Helped fight child exploitation by participating in the Thorn Foundation Technology Task
Force, a cross-industry collaboration that focuses on the role technology plays in crimes
involving child sex trafficking. This year, the contributions included helping establish industry
best practices and guidance on how to address the problem of online predators.
Online safety
• Championed the importance of online safety within the ICT industry by naming the industry’s
first chief online safety officer in March 2013.
• Raised awareness of safer online practices and educated consumers and families about
trustworthy online activities by leading or participating in online safety conferences, events, and
activities in Australia, Cameroon, Egypt, Ireland, the United Kingdom, and several cities across
the United States.
• Took steps to combat online bullying by conducting a worldwide study of negative online
behaviors among youth in 25 countries. The study, which revealed that 54 percent of youth are
worried they will be bullied online, was released in the summer of 2012, in tandem with new
anti-bullying educational materials for parents, educators, and young people.
• Promoted a safer online environment for children by participating in the European Union’s
CEO Coalition for Child Online Safety.

34. 34
Privacy
• Upheld our ongoing commitment to customer privacy by enabling Do Not Track in Internet
Explorer 10. Do Not Track gives customers more control over how their online activities are
recorded and used.
• Increased public awareness of potential online privacy risks and educated customers about how
they can use Microsoft technologies to help mitigate these risks through an international
education campaign. We also released the online tool Your Privacy Type to help customers
better understand their privacy type and align it with their online behavior.
Making a difference together
We know that together with our industry partners, we can provide specialized
technologies that address specific complex needs. Microsoft has a long history of working with
leading humanitarian response organizations and information and communications technology
(ICT) partners to develop joint solutions. Together, Microsoft and responders can increase the
ability for communities to prepare, respond, and recover.
Teaming with humanitarian organizations:

35. 35
SUPPORTING WOMEN’S EMPOWERMENT AND HEALTH
Women working in factories face a number of personal health risks and challenges,
which are often aggravated by gender inequities that impact their lives at home and in their
communities. Not being able to practice preventive general and reproductive health — whether
due to lack of awareness or reluctance to seek health services — negatively impacts the personal
well-being of women, as well as their ability to thrive as employees.
BSR’s HER project (Health Enables Returns) works to address this challenge through
factory-based women’s health education, using a peer education methodology that also drives
empowerment and leadership development. Across nine countries in Asia and Africa, HER
project motivates factory workers to become health ambassadors to their coworkers, their
families, and within their communities, training individuals on issues like safe sex and
HIV/AIDS, nutrition, cervical cancer and breast cancer, and general health and hygiene. The
HER project also works to demonstrate the business benefits of these program activities to
promote long-term factory investments in women’s health.
Microsoft and two key suppliers have participated in the HER project over the past three
years. The collaboration has helped reach more than 5,000 women working in southern China, as
well as sensitizing 6,000 male workers to these issues. Follow-up surveys indicate the program

36. 36
has raised awareness of important health issues, but more important, the program has promoted
adoption of healthier behaviors.
Microsoft is one of only two electronics companies participating in the HERproject (out
of 24 company partners). The company’s involvement is an important factor in driving increased
attention to and support for women’s health and well-being — and women’s empowerment more
broadly — within the electronics industry.
• Increased average worker satisfaction with work conditions from 60 percent in the FY11
survey to 76 percent in FY13. Worker satisfaction with workplace health and safety increased
from 62 to 77 percent.
• Improved satisfaction with working hours, with 60 percent of workers stating their working
hours are reasonable, and an average of 18 percent desiring to work even longer hours. Survey
results in FY13 showed marked improvement from FY11, when less than half of survey
participants stated their working hours were reasonable.
• Conducted in-depth environmental health and safety assessments at all Tier 1 and some high
risk Tier 2 suppliers, helping us proactively identify areas of high risk within our supplier
facilities, such as electroplating and soldering operations and the handling of hazardous
chemicals. We then helped our suppliers implement best practices to mitigate health and safety
risks by providing safety guidelines, and suggested metrics for monitoring performance and
training on recommended practices
Although good progress has been made, the survey results also identified areas for
improvement, including compensation; dining conditions related to food variety, taste, and price;
enhanced communications between factory management and workers; and more educational
opportunities for career development and personal improvement.

37. 37
RESPONSIBLE SOURCING
They ask their suppliers to uphold the high standards of citizenship to which we hold
ourselves. By setting clear expectations in our Supplier Code of Conduct, taking steps to ensure
those expectations are met, and sharing best practices with their suppliers, they’re working to
advance the health, safety, and well-being of our suppliers’ workers.
They have two internal teams devoted to administering our supply chain.
• Their Global Procurement Group oversees our non-hardware suppliers, which number more
than 60,000. This group runs such responsible sourcing initiatives as their supplier diversity
program, ethics training, and anti-corruption screening programs. In FY13, the group created a
new management function solely dedicated to responsible sourcing.
• Their Manufacturing, Supply Chain, and Information Services Group manage their hardware
and packaging supply chain. For the last eight years, this group has run a Social and
Environmental Accountability (SEA) program to ensure that their hardware and packaging
suppliers abide by our SCC and additional program- specific requirements. The SEA program
also helps hardware and packaging suppliers enhance their capabilities in areas such as waste
management and worker-management communications.

38. 38
CITIZENSHIP AWARDS
Honors and Accolades
Organizations around the world consistently recognize Microsoft as one of the leading global
corporate citizens.
Global
 2014 CR’s 100 Best Corporate Citizens, Corporate Responsibility Magazine (Microsoft
named among top 5)
 2014 Human Rights Campaign's (HRC) Corporate Equality Index – 100% rating for 9th
consecutive year
 2013 World’s Best Multinational Workplaces by the Great Place to Work Institute
 2013 World’s Most Ethical Companies, The Ethisphere Institute, New York
 2013 NYSE Euronext Vigeo US 50 Index (50 most advanced U.S. companies on
Environmental, Social, and Governance performance)
 The Reputation Institute, one of the world’s leading reputation management consultant firms,
released its 2012 CSR Rep Trak™ 100 report naming the companies with the best
reputations for corporate social responsibility around the world. Microsoft was ranked first in
the category of Governance and also received the top ranking overall
 Ranked on CR Magazine’s list of 100 Best Corporate Citizens, selected from all companies
in the Russell 1000 Index.
 Received a 7.5 out of 10 global market rating from Governance Metrics International for
practices and performance (as of June 19, 2013).
 2011 Named on The World’s Most Ethical Companies list, The Ethisphere Institute, New
York
Africa
 2011 Microsoft shared the prize for Best Corporate Social Responsibility with Olam/Nigeria
at the fourth annual African Business Awards. Microsoft won the award for their work in the
areas of Youth Employability
 Australia
 2012 Awarded 2012 EOWA Employer of Choice for Women Citation

39. 39
Austria
 2012 Great Place to Work - Austria (Received special award for “Balance between Work &
Family”)
Brazil
 2010 1st place in Software Category: “The most admirable companies of Brazil” - Carta
Capital Magazine
Canada
 2012 #21 of the top 25 Best Places to Work for Women in Canada
China
 March 2011 Microsoft China is one of 5 multinational companies selected for the “Most
Respected Company 10-year Achievement Award”, another influential award jointly
published by Economic Observer and Beijing University.
Greece
 Parliament award for Greek 2008 Imagine winner; 'Excellence in International Student
Competition' awards
Gulf - Dubai
 2010 Microsoft Gulf received the Arab Corporate Social Responsibility project of the Year
from the Union of Arab ICT Association (IJMA3) in recognition of its commitment to
empowering women through technology across the Mena region.
Hong Kong
 2011 MS Hong Kong received the "Class of Good" Wastewi$e Label
India
 2012 Microsoft India received the Environment Management Award at The Green IT
Initiative and IT Excellence Awards
United States
 2012 Ranked 8th in "Top 50 Employer" in Woman Engineer Magazine
 2012 Ranked 7th in 22nd Annual “Top 50 Employers” in Minority Engineer Magazine. And
many more………

40. 40
CONCLUSION
In conclusion, Microsoft will go down in history as one of the most innovative
companies that have changed the way people go about their daily lives. Microsoft has come a
long way from the days of settling lawsuits with numerous companies to being the powerful
software giant in the world today. With technology comes innovation, and Microsoft has proven
that it can be technological innovative with all of the great products that we have seen from them
over the years.
Their citizenship mission is to globally serve the needs of communities and fulfill our
responsibilities to the public. At Microsoft, they are committed to applying our technology,
ingenuity, and collaborative spirit to help solve critical social and environmental challenges and
create fulfilling opportunities for people around the world. In FY13, they made substantial
strides in meeting their citizenship responsibilities and goals, in partnership with their
employees, suppliers, and other stakeholder groups.
Given the company’s strategies, core competencies, dynamics, and innovative
breakthroughs, it is no wonder why Microsoft has lasted this long, and will be around for many
more years to come.

41. 41
BIBLIOGRAPHY
 M. Com Part 1 Strategic Management by Manan Prakashan Publications.
 http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/news/press/2014/feb14/02-04newspr.aspx
 http://givingbetter.org
 http://greengopost.com
 http://corporatewatch.org
 http://samhita.org/developing-csr-strategy-and-implementing-programs/
 http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/student/deals.aspx#fbid=duH5pY-FNc2
 http://www.microsoftstore.com/store/msin/en_GB/home
 http://www.csrwire.com/members/12868-Microsoft-Corporation
 http://projectcsr.wordpress.com/2011/03/23/microsofts-corporate-citizenship/
 http://causecapitalism.com/tag/corporate-social-responsibility/
"It takes more than great products to make a great company."
– Bill Gates