Microsoft; Motivational Strategies of a Successful Corporation

Microsoft began when the ALTAIR 8800 appeared on the cover of a magazine entitled Popular Electronics, inspiring two young men Bill Gates and Paul Allen to develop BASIC language software for it. Today, Microsoft is the world’s largest software company and an undeniable force in the computing world. The products of Microsoft are used around the world, from every age to every nationality. Microsoft is the parent company of the Windows operating system, Explorer browser, the Office suite of programs (which include Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint and Access), the Xbox game system and the Zune music player. The company is ranked number 35 in the Fortune 500 in 2009 with revenue of $60.42 billion and a global workforce of 95,000. At present, the company has exhibited agility in responding to market conditions, and has been managing innovations well. Bill Gates and Paul Allen were motivated by a dream and a desire that started with a small magazine cover. The motivational strategies of a successful cutting edge corporation must go beyond the dream. The acts of Bill Gates and Paul Allen brought their dream to life, and made Microsoft a reality. Microsoft is motivated and inspired by how customers use their software to find creative solutions to business problems, develop breakthrough ideas, and stay connected to what's most important to them (Vault Career Intelligence, n.d., para 1).

Background

According to Microsoft (2003-2005), “Thirty years ago, Microsoft began with a dream of a computer on every desk and in every home. Today, for the more than 1 billion people we’ve reached, life has changed profoundly. Information is available instantaneously. Personal and professional connections are made easily. Products and services are sold conveniently. Progress is achieved more readily. But for more than 5 billion people, the opportunity to learn, connect, create, and succeed remains elusive.” This type of drive and motivation makes a dream into a reality and a company...