MANAGING CHANGE AND CREATIVITY IN ORGANIZATIONS

Managing Change And Creativity In Organizations

Managing Change And Creativity In Organizations

Are the concepts of creativity and innovation relevant to Microsoft? Use examples to illustrate your points.

Microsoft corporate culture nurtures an atmosphere in which creative thinking thrives, and employees are able to develop to their fullest potential. The high value Microsoft places on people extends well beyond the company's corporate campus. Microsoft has a strong belief that if people are provided with the resources they need, they can accomplish great things

Microsoft is based on teams whose members learn from each other, from other teams, from customers and from past mistakes. Microsoft corporate culture nurtures an atmosphere in which creative thinking thrives, and employees are able to develop to their fullest potential (Shapiro, 1997). The high value Microsoft places on people extends well beyond the company's corporate campus. Microsoft has a strong belief that if people are provided with the resources they need, they can accomplish great things (Microsoft).

Microsoft is dedicated to helping their employees do their best, both now and in the future. Leadership development spearheads the numerous training opportunities offered to Microsoft employees worldwide. Identifies the leadership development needs that will benefit senior Microsoft leaders and future leaders, and creates training programs that address those needs. They are responsible for building organizations were people continually expand their capabilities to understand complexity, clarify vision, and improve shared mental models (Microsoft).

Microsoft strives to maintain a good name and good business practice. "At Microsoft, our approach is to evaluate where and how we can do the most good, respond thoughtfully to changing needs and continually increase the positive influence of our business in the global community" (Microsoft). "Microsoft goals are framed by the three pillars of the Microsoft Global Citizenship Initiative (MGI) to Demonstrate Responsible Business Practices, Improve Security and Internet Safety, and Advancing the knowledge of the economy" (Microsoft). MGI is classified as "the creative link between programs that train individuals and economic development efforts that create jobs and strengthen local communities"(Microsoft).

What were the founders' motivations in starting this creative/innovative venture? Do you see any creativity on their part? Where? How did it arise?

Microsoft was founded as a partnership on April 4, 1975, by William H. Gates and Paul G. Allen, and later incorporated on June 25, 1981. Since that time a new senior-level decision-making team has been formed in order to meet the new visional goals of the company. The new team was formed in March of 1999 ad has since replaced the Executive Committee that had been in place since December of 1996.

The Business Leadership Team as Microsoft calls it, includes key management from across Microsoft's divisions. The business practice of management to be practiced will focus on the day-to-day running of the business, and will meet continuously with Bill Gates and new President and CEO Steve Ballmer to ensure that the company is on track with its vision, planning, and processes

At Microsoft, people are considered to be the most important asset of the ...