Microsoft and CSR

Microsoft was rather indecisive in their stand on “outlawing many forms of discrimination against gays.” Initially, Microsoft was supportive of the legislation in the State of Washington. Then, based upon a local pastor’s influence and threats of boycotting, Microsoft was swayed to relinquish support of the gay rights legislation. Finally, Microsoft decided that supporting “diversity in the workplace” would include backing legislation that would “take a stand on social issues.” If I were employed by Microsoft in Washington, I would be utterly confused and concerned by the company’s wishy-washy attitude. For a company that prided itself on being “gay-friendly” and was not tolerant of employment discrimination, how could a few people derail the company’s legislative agenda? Who was Microsoft acting on behalf of the shareholders, the community, the local pastor, the consumers or the Board of Directors?

If Microsoft wants to be known in the business world for it’s corporate social responsibility, then it should have stood by the initial decision to endorse the legislation. This would have demonstrated that the company’s interest in advocating for the social interest of company employees. Understanding that many other technology and financial corporations supported the stakeholder’s social expectations, it may have negatively affected how consumers and other businesses viewed Microsoft by changing their stand.