i
Table of Contents____________________________________________________
Table of Figures______________________________________________________................................ iii
Acknowledgement____________________________________________________ ................................ iv
Letter of Transmittal__________________________________________________ .................................. v
Executive Summary___________________________________________________ ............................... vi
Introduction_________________________________________________________ ................................ vi
The Objective of this Project____________________________________________ ................................. 2
Research Questions and Hypothesis______________________________________ ................................. 2
Data Collection and Methodology________________________________________ ................................ 3
Company Background and Website______________________________________ .................................. 4
Business Communication of the Website__________________________________.................................. 5
Site Map of the Website_______________________________________________ .................................. 6
Culture of wording on the website_______________________________________ .................................. 7
Style of Communication to Multilingual Culture_____________________________ ............................... 8
Customer Support____________________________________________________ .................................. 8
Digital communication Style____________________________________________ ................................. 9
Social media communication___________________________________________ .................................. 9
Persuasive message___________________________________________________ ............................... 10
Research & Development Culture of Microsoft_____________________________ ............................... 10
Meeting and Conversation Style of Microsoft_______________________________ .............................. 11
Communication for Job/Recruitment_____________________________________ ................................ 11
Findings & Analysis___________________________________________________ .............................. 12
Limitations__________________________________________________________ .............................. 13
Recommendations___________________________________________________ ................................. 13
Conclusion__________________________________________________________ ............................... 14
References__________________________________________________________ ............................... 14
Appendix___________________________________________________________ ................................. 1
ii
Table of Figures______________________________________________________
Figure 1: Style of Communication to Multilingual Culture .......................................................................... 8
Figure 2: Customer Support .......................................................................................................................... 8
Figure 3: Site Map ........................................................................................................................................ 1
Figure 4: Microsoft Founder & Co Founder ................................................................................................. 1
Figure 5:Transforming recruiting inside Microsoft with Co-development................................................... 1
Figure 6: Microsoft Innovation Culture ........................................................................................................ 2
Figure 7: Yammer ......................................................................................................................................... 2
Figure 8: Microsoft Website ......................................................................................................................... 3
iii
Acknowledgement____________________________________________________
We are starting by taking the name and thanking the Almighty for giving us the capability to complete the
whole report on time. The report concludes the Business Communication (BUS251) course. The report is
written and submitted based on the communication culture of Microsoft Inc which is the main learning
from the course. Our Team Benzene wants to thank Dr. Muslima Zahan, Associate Professor of the
Department of Management, North South University, for teaching us in such a good and relatable way so
that we could catch the topic so fast, which helped us to finish the report perfectly. Lastly, we thank each
team member for giving their best effort and time, which makes our report more appropriate—furthermore,
thanking our peers and the interviewee. They took the time from their busy schedule to explain and
descriptively answer our queries. We want to conclude by acknowledging any lacking that might surface
from the report.
iv
Letter of Transmittal__________________________________________________
24th May 2023
Dr. Muslima Zahan
Associate Professor, Department of Management.
North South University.
Bashundhara, Dhaka-1229, Bangladesh.
Subject: Submission of report Business Communication through Website: The Case of (Microsoft)
Dear Ma’am,
We, Team Benzene of BUS251; Section: 09, are humbly presenting the final report on Business
Communication through Website: The Case of (Microsoft). This report has covered various aspects of
the business communication of “Microsoft.” The report allowed us to gather the knowledge we gathered
throughout the course and relate it to the real world. We investigated the business communication book,
lecture slides, and, most essentially, the class notes. We also took help from the internet and came to
understand many events in preparing the report. Also, gather information directly from the “Microsoft
Official Website.” This report, the investigation behind it, and its findings were prepared under your direct
permission. We pledge that under no circumstance will any part of it be reproduced for any reason, shared
with anyone else, or uploaded to any Internet website without your written consent. Furthermore, we pledge
that this report has not been submitted to any other North South University faculty member.
It was an extensive yet fulfilling ordeal, which would have been impossible without your constant support,
inspiration, and guidance. We hope that you will find this report as you wanted to make us.
Sincerely
Team Benzene.
v
Executive Summary___________________________________________________
The subsequent report contains the business communication of a MNC name Microsoft Inc. The report
gives an idea about the mission and vision of the company and what strategy they use to stay competitive
in the market. The components of company background, business communication in the website, site map
of the website, culture of wording in the website, Culture of choosing the best process and business forms,
managing bad news, good news and neutral messages, style of communicating to diversified people or
multilingual culture, digital communication style, social media communication, Persuasive message style,
study culture, communication for job/recruitment process are entirely covered in this report. This report
also provides the main communication basis of Microsoft.
Moreover, the report also gives the variety services of Microsoft providing since 1975. Their outlier services
their main communication funnel is also mentioned in this report. The report also emphasizes how crucial
inclusivity and diversity are to Microsoft's communication culture. The organization values different points
of view and promotes open communication, allowing for a vibrant flow of ideas and building a climate
where everyone feels appreciated and heard. Microsoft can use the aggregate intelligence of its staff thanks
to this inclusive strategy, which leads to creative ideas and better decision-making.
vi
Introduction_________________________________________________________
Microsoft Inc. is renowned for its communication culture, emphasizing collaboration, transparency, and
openness. Microsoft encourages employees at all levels to openly share their ideas, opinions, and feedback
with colleagues and managers. This culture fosters trust and facilitates the free flow of information.
Microsoft highly values collaborative efforts and teamwork to solve problems and achieve shared goals.
The company provides various collaboration tools and platforms, such as Microsoft Teams, SharePoint,
and Yammer, to facilitate effective collaboration.
Microsoft promotes a growth mindset culture where employees are encouraged to take risks, learn from
failures, and continuously develop their skills. This mindset extends to communication, enabling
individuals to seek feedback, engage in constructive conversations, and embrace new ideas. Microsoft
places a strong emphasis on data-driven decision-making. Employees are encouraged to support their ideas
and proposals with data and evidence. This approach ensures that decisions are based on objective
information and fosters critical thinking.
Microsoft values diversity and inclusion in its communication culture. The company recognizes the
importance of diverse perspectives and actively works towards creating an inclusive environment where
every individual's voice is heard and respected. Microsoft has developed robust tools and platforms to
facilitate seamless virtual communication, catering to the increasing trend of remote work and virtual
collaboration. Platforms like Microsoft Teams enable video conferencing, instant messaging, and document
sharing, enabling employees to collaborate irrespective of their physical location.
Microsoft executives strive to be accessible and approachable. They regularly hold town hall meetings and
virtual Q&A sessions and implement open-door policies to facilitate interactions and allow employees to
ask questions directly to top-level executives. This accessibility contributes to a culture of transparency and
open communication.
It is essential to acknowledge that while these aspects represent Microsoft's overall communication culture,
individual experiences within the company may vary. Microsoft's communication culture continuously
adapts to changing workplace needs and trends. ‘ (Kellington, 2023)
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The Objective of this Project____________________________________________
The goal or purpose of a project on "Business Communication through Website: The Case of Microsoft"
could be to evaluate and comprehend how Microsoft successfully uses its website as a business
communication medium. The following specific goals for this project:
We examined Microsoft's website's layout, organization, and content, particularly how well it reaches its
intended audience with information about the company's name, goods, and services. Then it describes us
the various forms of communication on the Microsoft website, including text, pictures, videos, interactive
aspects, and customer service options. By analyzing how multiple channels aid in engaging and
communicating with website visitors. Looking at the positioning and message tactics used on the Microsoft
website. We can examine how the company conveys to its target market its value proposition, key
messaging, and differentiators and how these relate to Microsoft's overall brand identity.
We analyze the user experience that Microsoft's website offers. Examined elements including
responsiveness, accessibility, general user interface design, and navigational simplicity. It shows how
Microsoft improves the user experience to improve communication efficiency. By examine the call-toaction elements on the Microsoft website, including the buttons, forms, and subscription options. It easily
gives us Microsoft's positioning, design, and language to learn how it encourages visitor engagement,
conversions, and continuous contact.
Microsoft adjusts its website for various locales and cultures. It discovers how Microsoft efficiently conveys
its worldwide presence while catering to local audiences by looking at localized content, language options,
and cultural concerns. By looking into the measurement and feedback systems Microsoft has in place. The
learnings are how Microsoft gathers information and input to enhance its online communication methods
by investigating analytics tools, customer feedback forms, and user testing.
It identified the Microsoft's online communication strategies' best practices and key takeaways. It also
giving the suggestions for enhancing business communication through websites based on our completed
analysis. It pointed out areas where Microsoft excels and suggest improvements or new ideas to improve
communication efficiency. ‘ (Microsoft Services Agreement, 2022)
Research Questions and Hypothesis______________________________________
Throughout this project we have been looking for a particular section of Microsoft Inc. We have been
working on this website and their communication culture norm from the beginning of our course. It’s
amazing we find out some similarities and differences between our hypothesis and the actual test. Here’s
actual test mean the deep analysis of their culture, value and norm.
Our hypothesis was “Microsoft has a solid and open communication culture that supports productive
teamwork, promotes openness, and values different viewpoints.” According to this theory, Microsoft
places a high importance on communication within the company, allowing staff members to easily
cooperate and share information between teams and departments. The hypothesis also suggests that
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Microsoft places a strong emphasis on transparency, ensuring that all employees have access to open and
transparent communication channels. The hypothesis further states that Microsoft actively seeks out
alternative viewpoints and celebrates diversity, fostering an inclusive communication culture that honors
the opinions of people with various backgrounds and experiences. So, here are few questions to test our
hypothesis and our findings:
•
•
•
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•
•
•
•
•
•
How does Microsoft ensure effective communication within its organization across different teams
and departments?
Can the website describe any specific communication initiatives or programs that Microsoft has
implemented to promote collaboration and information sharing among employees?
How does Microsoft encourage open and transparent communication between management and
employees?
What communication channels or platforms does Microsoft utilize to facilitate communication and
collaboration among remote or distributed teams?
How does Microsoft foster a culture of active listening and feedback among its employees?
Can our resources provide examples of how Microsoft communicates its mission, vision, and core
values to its employees and external stakeholders?
How does Microsoft handle internal communication during times of significant organizational
change or crisis situations?
How does Microsoft ensure effective communication with its customers and clients, particularly in
terms of addressing their concerns and providing timely support?
Can the website describe any communication training or development programs offered to
employees at Microsoft?
How does Microsoft leverage technology and digital tools to enhance communication and
productivity in the workplace?
Data Collection and Methodology________________________________________
The methodology and data gathering techniques listed below could be used to evaluate the hypothesis on
Microsoft's communication culture:
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•
•
Research Design: A mixed-methods strategy, integrating quantitative and qualitative data
collection techniques, may be used in the study design. This would offer a thorough comprehension
of Microsoft's communication style.
Questionnaires and surveys: A survey could be created to gather numerical data from the
Microsoft website. Diverse facets of communication, collaboration, transparency, and diversity
should be the emphasis of the survey questions. The responses can be examined for patterns and
trends relating to Microsoft's communication culture.
Interview: Semi-structured interviews with users from various levels and responsibilities within
the class might yield insightful qualitative information. Their experiences, opinions, and
observations on the organization's communication techniques, teamwork, openness, and diversity
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can all be explored throughout the interviews. These interviews enable the identification of
examples and anecdotes and can offer deeper insights into the communication culture.
Observation and documentation: Data can be gathered by seeing communication activities in
action, such as team meetings, town hall meetings, or internal communication platforms. This can
offer first-hand knowledge of Microsoft's communication dynamics.
Comparative Analysis: A comparative analysis can be done to verify the hypothesis by contrasting
Microsoft's communication style with industry standards or benchmarks. This can offer a bigger
picture and make it easier to see where you excel and where you need to improve.
Data Analysis: For both the survey and interview data, the acquired data, both quantitative and
qualitative, can be examined using the most relevant statistical techniques. The results can then be
combined to form judgments about Microsoft's communication style.
It's crucial to keep in mind that the methodology and data gathering techniques may change based on the
size, availability, and access to the sample. Before doing any research involving human subjects, it is
advised to adhere to ethical principles, protect data privacy, and get relevant clearances or licences.
Additionally, we have been using information from websites, secondary sources, and possibly even reports
that we have seen online.
Company Background and Website______________________________________
In 1975, Microsoft was established by Bill Gates and Paul Allen. The corporate headquarters of the
American global technology company Microsoft Corporation are in Redmond, Washington. Their goal is
to make it possible for individuals and organizations worldwide to fulfill their full potential by developing
technology that revolutionizes how people interact, work, and play. We create and promote software,
services, and hardware products that provide new opportunities, convenience, and value for people's lives.
We operate internationally and have offices in more than a hundred nations.
In addition to inventing and selling hardware items, they develop, license, and support a wide range of
software products and services. They also supply relevant web advertising to a global clientele. They
provide suites of products and services and sell individual goods and services. (Appendix: Figure 04)
The Windows family of operating systems, the Microsoft Office package, and the Internet Explorer and
Edge web browsers are among Microsoft's most well-known software offerings. The Xbox video gaming
consoles and the Microsoft Surface range of touchscreen personal PCs are its two main hardware offerings.
Microsoft was the top software manufacturer in the world by revenue as of 2022, according to the Fortune
500 list of the most prominent American firms by total revenue. Along with Alphabet (the parent company
of Google), Amazon, Apple, and Meta (previously Facebook), it is regarded as one of the Big Five
American technological corporations. ‘ (Mark Hall, 2023)
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Business Communication of the Website__________________________________
Microsoft communicates with their stalk holders to presuming their services and sells some of their products
and services online. Their online advertising platform, which includes options for advertisers and
publishers, as well as subscription content and updates from Microsoft Developer Network, frequent
product updates, and online technical and market readiness resources, are some additional services they
deliver online. They sell many of these cloud-based services through their enterprise agreements as they
provide more and more online services, and they have also made it possible for new sales initiatives to
target small and medium-sized enterprises. These new initiatives include reselling services through operator
channels, such as telephone, cell, and cable providers, as well as direct sales, direct sales supported by a
substantial network of partner advisers, and direct sales. Additionally, they offer their products for sale on
their online store website, microsoftstore.com.
Their services are provided through the accounts of the users. These accounts must be completed through
registration processes requiring accurate and current information about the users. Microsoft.com gives a
registration form for the procedure. These accounts have two options: a) Personal and family accounts, b)
Business accounts. Business accounts could be small and medium businesses, enterprise businesses, and
education accounts. Microsoft store (microsoftstore.com) is subjected to its sale terms, terms for use, and
privacy terms. All the users and stalk holders need to maintain these. These restrictions can prevent some
potential consumers from having their services as the registration process is somewhat time-consuming and
makes it inconvenient for them to have the services.
Microsoft gives self-support to its users first. They show the product lists with their supporting process. But
these support activities are only provided when the client has a Microsoft account. These supports are
provided to both personal accounts and business accounts. They give additional support if the self-support
is not enough. The extra help could be instant messaging through their website with a specialist from
Microsoft.
Although client-based software will continue to play a significant role in their business, they progressively
provide cloud-based services to customers to offer value. They provide consumers with online content and
services through Bing, MSN portals and channels, Microsoft Office Web Apps, Office 365, Windows
Phone Marketplace, Xbox LIVE, Outlook.com, Skype, and Windows Store. Additionally, they offer
business users paid cloud services like Office 365, which includes online versions of Office, Exchange,
SharePoint, Lync, and Yammer, Microsoft Dynamics CRM Online, Windows Azure, and Windows Intune.
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Site Map of the Website_______________________________________________
Sales and support:
In this category, Microsoft guides its customers through the registration process of the Microsoft store.
(Appendix: Figure 03)
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Microsoft Store: All the deals for their services are given under it. Users can shop for their items
from here. Also, the locations of Microsoft's physical stores are provided under it, such as Fifth
Avenue's experience center of Microsoft in the United States, Sydney's experience center of
Microsoft in Australia, and London's experience center of Microsoft in the United Kingdom. The
stores' opening and closing times are also given in this section. In addition, the business-to-business
store locations and sign-up options are there. Shopping options for developers are also offered
there.
Orders and Shipping: This section helps the customer to reach an order for their services.
Customers can track their ordered services through their profiles. They can get through their return
process of the products by this section.
Support: In addition to Self-support, there is calling & messaging help, support in a unified way,
essentials for securities, and support for businesses.
Account: The users can manage their accounts. Microsoft sometimes rewards their customer,
which can be found in this section.
Software and Services:
It includes all the software and services of Microsoft in general.
• Windows: This section offers the latest version of Windows. All the apps, games, business
resources, learning resources of Edge, and other Windows resources can be found here for whoever
investigates the website's site map. At this moment, they have been offering "Windows 11".
• Microsoft 365: This section might be new to many people as they have introduced the better
version of Microsoft Office. People with access to Microsoft Office will automatically get the more
recent version. Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams, Loop, and more are just a few of the
apps integrated with the new Microsoft 365 Copilot experience to work. All your Microsoft 365
apps, documents, and conversations are included.
• Applications: All the apps for Microsoft and their updates are available in this section.
• Services: Services such as storing service, which is cloud-based (OneDrive), and digitalized notetaking service are located here.
Devices and Xbox:
Microsoft invented all the devices, and its information can be gotten in this section.
• Surface: The smartphones, Laptops, and Tablets of Surface are located here.
• Other Accessories: Accessories such as Laptops of Microsoft and their information are provided
in this section.
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Xbox: Microsoft founded and owns the video game brand Xbox. The company's portfolio of
products includes five gaming consoles, apps (games), the streaming service Xbox Cloud Gaming,
online services including Xbox Game Pass and the Xbox network, as well as the Xbox Game
Studios division for game development are available on the website of Microsoft.
Business and enterprise:
All services that Microsoft provides for businesses can be found in this section. Productivity, emerging
technology, mobility, and industries-based product and services are available there.
Development and IT pros:
This section made it easier for the software developers who use Microsoft services to produce solutions for
their work, such as developing applications. All of these started from improving hardware to creating
programs, pieces of training, blogs, etc., and all other development works. One of these services is Microsoft
Azure.
About:
Microsoft, the company, its value, its research of it, its terms and conditions, its trademark, and all other
information about Microsoft is included in this section. Also, the people who want to contact Microsoft can
get a way through "About." ‘ (Microsoft Site Map, 2023)
Culture of wording on the website_______________________________________
It blends the strength of massive language models with your business data and context. The website of
Microsoft contains "forward-looking statements" These statements include estimates, projections, and
announcements relating to their business plans, objectives, and expected operating results, as well as the
assumptions on which those statements are based. On the website, there may be forward-looking statements
in many different places, including but not limited to the parts below:
The words "Business," "Management's Discussion and Analysis," and "Risk Factors." The phrases
"believe," "project," "expect," "anticipate," "estimate," "intend," "strategy," "future," "opportunity," "plan,"
"may," "should," "will," "would," "will be," "will continue," "will likely result," and similar expressions
are typically used to identify forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are predictions and
projections based on current conditions and are subject to risks and uncertainties that might cause actual
outcomes to differ considerably from those projected.
The website of Microsoft has used most of their statements in you-viewpoint. These words help to receive
the perspective and interest of the users. The message assists the target customers and the website in these
potentials to Microsoft. One of the statements is, "Elevate your setup with deals on the latest mice and
keyboards."
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Information on the website of Microsoft is primarily in positive words, except most of the conditions and
terms are written in negative comments. Probably they have done it to be more restricted towards their
securities. But it could bring somewhat loss of interest from the users as positive words create more
engagement.
Style of Communication to Multilingual Culture_____________________________
There are many language options available on Microsoft’s Official website. It can sometimes offer different
products, advertisement or even change website options depending on the language users select. For
instance, if we select Chinese as a language then in the website of Microsoft we can see that the site is
featuring WeChat and Weibo which are not available in any other language settings like English (USA).
Also, on the home page for China an option for educational discount is available which is not same for
USA or many other countries. One interesting fact is that people from different region cannot get into this
option and see the offers without using VPN.
Figure 1: Style of Communication to Multilingual Culture
Customer Support____________________________________________________
For helping users with any sort of difficulties Microsoft has an interesting option on their website. It is
called Microsoft Support Community. Microsoft Community is an online platform where users can connect
and engage with fellow Microsoft product enthusiasts, experts, and
support personnel. It serves as a hub for sharing knowledge, seeking
assistance, and discussing various Microsoft-related topics. Users can
ask questions, provide answers, and contribute to discussions within
different community forums dedicated to specific Microsoft products
or services. The community operates on a peer-to-peer support model,
where community members assist each other with technical issues,
troubleshooting, and providing solutions. Microsoft employees and
MVPs (Most Valuable Professionals) also participate in the community
to provide official guidance and expertise. It fosters collaboration,
problem-solving, and learning within the Microsoft user community.
Besides this Microsoft also provides Online Support, Chat and Email Figure 2: Customer Support
Support, Phone Support, Support Tickets etc.
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Digital communication Style____________________________________________
Microsoft uses Yammer to communicate with staff members to alert them to updates, advertise IT services
and applications, and respond to inquiries. Microsoft may speak with consumers directly regarding service
problems or other operational details. Microsoft will continue to speak directly with clients who already
have business relationships with the company regarding its non-CSP goods and services. Microsoft Teams
is the messaging app for your organization. It serves as a meeting room, a platform for in-the-moment
collaboration and communication, and a repository for files and apps. You can rest easy knowing that Teams
has extensive security protections and that your data is protected by enterprise-grade security.
Social media communication___________________________________________
On numerous social media platforms, Microsoft has a significant presence and an active communication
strategy. The business uses social media to interact with its customers, share information, advertise goods
and services, and develop a feeling of community.
On popular social media sites like Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram, and YouTube, Microsoft keeps
an active presence. To reach various target audiences and fulfill certain communication goals, each medium
is skilfully employed. Microsoft uses social media platforms to promptly update users on its most recent
offerings in terms of goods, services, and announcements. This involves disseminating information on
recent hardware and software debuts, updates on initiatives, and noteworthy meetings or conferences.
Through social media campaigns and initiatives, Microsoft aggressively promotes user-generated content.
The firm highlights creative use cases, celebrates customer success stories, and invites people to comment
on their experiences with Microsoft services and products. Microsoft acknowledges the value of
multimedia and includes it into its social media communications. To engage and fascinate the audience,
you can do this by offering films, pictures, infographics, and interactive information.
Microsoft is now introducing Viva Engage, a new software inside of Teams like Facebook, and promotes
social networking at work. Yammer's strengths are built upon by Viva Engage, which encourages online
dialogues, communities, and workplace self-expression. For how it engages with customers online, the
reactive social media team at Microsoft Stores has three main business goals: Develop a following for the
brand, Provide individualized product recommendations. Customer service in real-time is provided.
(Appendix: Figure 07)
The overall goals of Microsoft's social media communication strategy are to establish a strong brand
presence, encourage participation, share informative material, and highlight the company's dedication to
social responsibility and innovation. Microsoft efficiently uses social media channels to interact with its
audience, improve its brand reputation, and foster participation through focused and planned
communication activities. (Microsoft, 2023)
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Persuasive message___________________________________________________
Microsoft's persuasive message approach is to persuade its target audience of the worth and advantages of
its goods, services, and solutions. Some essential components of Microsoft's influential message style are
listed below:
➢ Customer-Centric Approach: Microsoft frequently addresses the wants and problems of its
customers in its compelling communications. The business strongly emphasizes how its products
may improve user experience, increase productivity, and streamline procedures. Microsoft strongly
emphasizes the distinctive value proposition of its goods and services. The messages highlight
important traits, abilities, and benefits, showing how Microsoft's products may assist clients
fundamentally.
➢ Data and Statistics: To bolster its arguments, Microsoft uses data, statistics, and case studies. The
business does this by presenting data-backed information and actual instances of successful
deployments.
➢ Storytelling: Microsoft frequently uses storytelling strategies to make its argumentative messages
more fascinating and sympathetic. Microsoft successfully engages its audience emotionally by
presenting narratives that showcase the experiences and triumphs of customers who have benefited
from its solutions.
➢ Call-to-Action: Microsoft's persuasive communications contain crystal-clear and compelling
invitations to action. The business offers concrete steps that nudge prospective customers to take
the desired action, whether signing up for a free trial, downloading a whitepaper, attending a
webinar, or making a purchase. Microsoft is aware of the value of visual components in persuasive
communications. The business uses eye-catching visuals to improve its messages and make them
more memorable. These visuals include photographs, videos, and infographics.
Research & Development Culture of Microsoft_____________________________
Microsoft is considered a pioneer in the field of software and technology development. Its powerful and
innovative research and development culture is one of the main factors leading to its success. First and
foremost, Microsoft promotes a culture of curiosity and constant learning. Employees are encouraged to
explore new things, think outside the box, and challenge boundaries. This approach is reflected in the
company's organizational structure, which allows for flexibility in R&D projects.
Microsoft invests heavily in R&D activities to support this innovative culture. The company invests
significantly in research labs and facilities worldwide where skilled teams, researchers, and engineer’s
work. These labs focus on fields such as artificial intelligence, cloud computing, machine learning,
hardware development, user interfaces, etc.
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Product development and Intellectual property help them to uphold the competitive advantage which comes
from having more robust control over their goods and services. It enables them to select which additions
and changes are most crucial and when to execute them. They secure their intellectual property investments
in multiple ways. (Appendix: Figure 06)
Microsoft's success relies on its ability to develop innovative goods, services, and user experiences. They
embrace technological trends to expand into new geographical product markets. They invest in a wide range
of recent technological trends that they believe have the potential to provide value for their clients and will
also give them corporate growth. (Microsoft Corporation 2012 Annual Report. Research & Development.
(n.d.-a).
Meeting and Conversation Style of Microsoft_______________________________
Microsoft places a strong emphasis on inclusive, cooperative meetings and conversations that promote
candid discussion, attentive listening, and courteous communication. Microsoft encourages all individuals
to participate in meetings and discussions. Regardless of their position or length of service with the
organization, employees are urged to actively share their opinions, perspectives, and insights. This
encourages a society where different viewpoints are respected and heard.
In meetings and interactions, Microsoft also encourages candour and openness. Employees are encouraged
to openly express their opinions, ask questions, and exchange information. By allowing everyone to access
pertinent information and participate in decision-making, this encourages a culture of trust. They place a
strong emphasis on the need of attentive listening in meetings and interactions. Participants are urged to
pay close attention, consider many points of view, and offer clarifying questions. This promotes the
development of a welcoming environment where people are made to feel heard and understood. In meetings
and chats, Microsoft values cooperation and cooperation. Participants are urged to cooperate, build on one
another's concepts, and identify points of agreement. This teamwork-based strategy encourages creativity,
problem-solving, and sound judgment.
Communication for Job/Recruitment_____________________________________
Effective communication is essential for job recruitment success in today's competitive employment
market. Here is an overview of communication strategies used by Microsoft during the recruitment process.
Making a job advertisement: the initial step in job recruitment is to develop a convincing job posting.
Microsoft emphasizes crucial credentials, skills, and responsibilities. The communication style is suitable
for the target audience and portrays the values and culture of the firm.
Channels of Communication: Microsoft uses various communication techniques to attract potential
candidates. The firm website, employee portals, professional networking platforms (e.g., LinkedIn), and
social media are examples of these channels. Using different channels increases exposure to job
opportunities. (Appendix: Figure 05)
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Effective Interview Communication:
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Interview Preparation: If you are selected for an interview, you must prepare adequately. Study
the role, department, and Microsoft's current projects to show your knowledge and interest.
Active Listening and Verbal Communication: Active listening is needed during the Interview to
understand the questions effectively and deliver insightful answers. Maintaining a professional
approach while showing excellent verbal communication abilities will make a lasting positive
impression.
Nonverbal communication: Besides verbal communication, nonverbal signals such as body
language and facial expressions are crucial in interviews. Make eye contact, show confidence using
posture, and enthusiasm through gestures.
Effective communication is crucial during job recruitment, enabling candidates to express their talents,
experiences, and passion to potential employers.
Findings & Analysis___________________________________________________
Through the conducted research, a comprehensive analysis of Microsoft's communication culture was
carried out, utilizing a mixed-methods approach involving surveys, interviews, observations, document
analysis, and comparative analysis. The findings shed light on the strengths and areas of focus within
Microsoft's communication culture.
According to the report, Microsoft's communication culture encourages teamwork and information
exchange among its employees. According to survey results, most employees believed that communication
tools and channels were useful for promoting collaboration between teams and departments. Interviews
provided more evidence that Microsoft supports cross-functional cooperation, teamwork, and knowledge
exchange, all of which facilitate effective collaboration. The results showed that Microsoft's communication
culture emphasizes openness. The company's goals, initiatives, and updates are accessible to employees via
a variety of channels, including internal newsletters, town hall meetings, and online platforms, according
to their statements. This open communication strategy encourages trust and keeps staff members informed.
Interview results and survey data both showed that Microsoft makes excellent use of a variety of
communication methods. Emails, instant messaging services, group collaboration software, video
conferencing, and intranet sites are some of these mediums. The investigation showed that these channels
provide rapid and effective communication, enabling workers to interact and exchange information without
difficulty, regardless of where they are physically located.
Microsoft's attitude to cooperation, transparency, and attempts to promote diversity and inclusion is in line
with that of top firms, according to a comparison of its communication culture with industry best practices.
It was discovered that Microsoft had put in place thorough communication plans, and its emphasis on using
technology for communication was regarded as creative and forward-thinking. Overall, the results imply
that Microsoft has established a strong communication culture that places a premium on transparency,
collaboration, and diversity. The organization promotes open communication and knowledge sharing, and
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employees see them as effective communication channels. Opportunities exist to further improve
Microsoft's communication procedures in the areas that need development.
Limitations__________________________________________________________
•
Access to private information: we didn't have direct access to Microsoft's personal or confidential
information while making the report. This includes non-public details about sensitive R&D
projects, internal plans, or the company's culture and communication practices. Due to these
constraints, the message is made with publicly available data.
•
Lack of Insider Perspective: As there was no direct access to employees in Microsoft's R&D and
recruitment teams, it may get difficult to have firsthand knowledge of their specific procedures,
challenges, and achievements. Insider perspectives may provide critical insight and detail into the
content given. Using publicly accessible information for job recruitment might fail to capture the
details of Microsoft's R&D culture and communication.
•
Generalizability: Microsoft is a huge corporation, and the R&D culture and communication process
could differ among departments, teams, and geographical areas. The report's material may provide
a generalized overview, but it may not reflect the complex and unique differences within the firm.
Recommendations___________________________________________________
•
Open Regional Offices: Microsoft should consider establishing regional offices in countries like
Bangladesh to leverage local talent pools and develop ties with different markets. Microsoft can
enhance its recruitment efforts and better understand local candidates' particular requirements and
aspirations by establishing a physical presence in these regions.
•
Improve Product Security: As cybersecurity is becoming increasingly crucial, Microsoft should
continue investing and emphasizing product security across all of its products and services. This
includes establishing strong security measures, conducting regular security audits, and working
with security researchers and specialists to identify and fix vulnerabilities.
•
Encourage Collaboration with Educational Institutions: Microsoft should strengthen its
connections with educational institutions in countries such as Bangladesh to create a pipeline of
brilliant individuals. Internships, Collaboration programs, and shared research activities may
provide students significant work experience.
•
Embrace Remote Work and flexible policies: Microsoft should continue to embrace remote work
and relaxed rules that cater to employees' preferences and requirements. This strategy can increase
the pool of possible candidates by giving remote work options and hiring people who emphasize
work-life balance.
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Conclusion__________________________________________________________
The Microsoft communication culture study concludes by highlighting the company's dedication to
encouraging efficient and cooperative communication among its staff members. Microsoft understands the
importance of open and transparent communication in fostering creativity, increasing productivity, and
upholding a healthy work environment.
To enable seamless communication and collaboration across teams and departments, the study highlights
the company's usage of a variety of communication tools and platforms, including Microsoft Teams. This
not only supports information sharing but also cross-functional collaboration, allowing staff members to
collaborate effectively and accomplish shared objectives.
The Microsoft communication culture report, taken as a whole, demonstrates the company's commitment
to fostering a communicative environment that values cooperation, diversity, transparency, and trust.
Microsoft gives its employees the tools they need to connect, cooperate, and advance the business by
making investments in efficient communication processes and technologies. The achievement of
Microsoft's purpose to enable every individual and organization on the earth to achieve more is based on
this strong communication culture, which also serves as a foundation for innovation, employee engagement,
and other key goals.
References__________________________________________________________
Kellington, J. (2023, January 12). Creating learn-it-alls at Microsoft with Viva Learning and LinkedIn
Learning Hub. Retrieved from Microsoft: https://www.microsoft.com/insidetrack/blog/creatinglearn-it-alls-at-microsoft-with-viva-learning-and-linkedin-learning-hub/
Mark Hall, G. P. (2023, May 19). Microsoft Corporation. Retrieved from Britannica:
https://www.britannica.com/topic/Microsoft-Corporation
Microsoft. (2023, May 24). Retrieved from Microsoft: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/
Microsoft Services Agreement. (2022, June, August 15). Retrieved from Microsoft:
https://www.microsoft.com/en/servicesagreement/
Microsoft Site Map. (2023, May 24). Retrieved from Microsoft: https://www.microsoft.com/enus/sitemap.aspx?fbclid=IwAR2pmoejuv6NNfetcN1nO2eA1WRopcUivwmfZJkMFQGJK6CKFgW30xUseM
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Appendix___________________________________________________________
Figure 3: Site Map
Figure 4: Microsoft Founder & Co Founder
Figure 5:Transforming recruiting inside Microsoft with Co-development.
Figure 6: Microsoft Innovation Culture
Figure 7: Yammer
Figure 8: Microsoft Website