Microsoft is one of the most well known high – tech corporations in the world. Most of us know it from the most common PC/laptops operating system: Microsoft windows. Its other popular products can be listed as microsoft office, gaming console xbox and windows phone OS for smart phones and tablets. Basically, it developes, manufactures and sells computer software, consumer electronics, personal computers and technological services. Microsoft is currently one of the most valuable companies.
Although its hard to find a person who never heard of this multinational tech corporation and its products, only a few know about how it contributed back to society and benefited people all over the world during all those years. Since Bill Gates established the company, Microsoft had many CSR campaigns and contributed to society for over 30 years. Steve Ballmer, co founder of Microsoft shares their mission statement: “Our commitment to citizenship is brought to life by the work we do in serving communities, championing the growth of our people and meeting our commitment to responsible business policies and practices”. After all the efforts since establishing, Microsoft was ranked 1st for CSR in Reputation Institute’s in 2012 and 2013, and is considered corporation with best CSR reputation till present.
In 2013, Microsoft reached many milestones, and accomplished many campaigns. Below are some highlights of what they achieved:
- 30th “Employee giving campaign”: Since the early days of the company, Microsoft established a campaign in which it combines its employees financial and volunteer contributions. In 2013, the total amount of this campaign reached milestone of 1 billion US dollars total contribution. During 30 years, this was contributed to more than 18,000 nonprofits companies all over the world.
- “Microsoft YouthSpark”: is a global program created to youths all over the world with educations and employment opportunities. 2013 is the first year of the campaign, and it already helped more than 100 million youth from 100 different countries.
- “Technology for good”: Microsoft donated 795 million dollars worth of their high quality software to over 70,000 non profits organizations.
- Efforts for environment: Microsoft established the internal carboon fee program in to reduce the carbon use in their operating and producing activities. This helped to minimize the environmental damage. It also has internal campaigns for water and electricity reduction.
Above are some highlights of Microsoft’s contributions. As one of the current largest corporations, Microsoft understands the importance of its responsibility to society and environment, and have done their best. Microsoft definitely made our world better place to live. You can find more information about Microsoft’s campaing here.
What do you think about Microsoft’s contributions? Do you know of any other companies that contributed to society as Microsoft? We would like to hear your opinion. Follow us on Facebook and Twitter for more information about CSR in technological industry!
Technological Responsibility 