Microsoft Giving
...For the past twenty years, the company has placed a higher importance on philanthropy than any other technology based corporation("Microsoft Giving Overview",2000). But why does Microsoft devote so much effort when they are not required to? Why do they spend literally hundreds of millions of dollars every year on donations, volunteer programs, and disaster relief?
The simplest answer to this question is that it's a good business strategy("Questions About Workplace Volunteerism",2000). Every major corporation in the country makes some kind of contribution to the community. Even most small businesses will sponsor a little league team or make a small donation to the local PTA. One part of a good business strategy is creating a reputation as a fair and humble corporation.
Microsoft's reputation as a fair and respectful operation is far from unblemished. After recent books, articles, and films, it is common knowledge to many people that Microsoft was founded on the ideas and inventions of other people. Microsoft's reputation suffered especially during its anti-trust difficulties from 1998-1999. During this time, the US government accused the corporation of trying to form a monopoly and attempting to force competition out of the market. Public opinion holds heavy weight in our judicial system. It has been suggested that this is the reason Microsoft has expanded there giving programs since 1998. The simple truth is that the average person doesn't care if Microsoft forms a monopoly, because it doesn't affect their lives.
However, if a flood is about to wipe out the town a person lives in or if a person can't find a job because they lack technological training and Microsoft helps them, then that person along with the thousands of others who's lives are a little bit better because of Microsoft may take an interest in how the government is...
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