Microsoft Compensation Strategy Analysis
Microsoft Compensation Strategy Analysis
(Microsoft Compensation Strategy Analysis)
Assignment 3: Compensation at Microsoft
Review Microsoft’s compensation strategy using the Argosy University online library resources and the Internet. Review the organization’s corporate strategy in its annual report. A link to Microsoft’s most current annual report is in the Microsoft Annual Report.
Read the following articles:
- The Dangers of Misclassifying “Employees”: Microsoft Litigation Emphasizes Distinctions Between Employees and Nontraditional Workers
- Liquidity and employee options: An empirical examination of the Microsoft experience
Based on the information in the articles, the annual report and other research, write a 4 page paper in Word format following APA standards which includes the following:
- Prepare a table to present Microsofts compensation strategy on the following five factors: objectives, alignment, competitiveness, employee considerations, and management. Create your table in Word format.
- Compare Microsoft’s compensation strategy as detailed in the article with their corporate strategy as indicated in their annual report. What are the points of convergence and divergence in the corporate and compensation strategies? Assess the alignment between Microsoft’s corporate objectives and its compensation strategy.
Write a 4-page paper in Word format and include your table. Apply APA standards for writing style to your work.
1. Title Page (APA Format)
Include the following:
- Title of the paper
- Your name
- Course name and number
- Instructor’s name
- Date
2. Introduction (Approx. ½ Page)
- Briefly introduce Microsoft and its relevance as a global tech leader.
- State the purpose of the paper, including an overview of the analysis of its compensation strategy.
3. Table: Microsoft’s Compensation Strategy
Create a table in Word with the following structure:
Factors | Microsoft’s Strategy |
---|---|
Objectives | Describe the main goals of Microsoft’s compensation strategy, such as attracting top talent, retention, etc. |
Alignment | Explain how their compensation aligns with organizational goals, such as innovation and productivity. |
Competitiveness | Discuss Microsoft’s position in offering competitive salaries, stock options, and benefits. |
Employee Considerations | Highlight employee-centric aspects, such as flexibility, equity in pay, and rewards for performance. |
Management | Analyze the management’s role in designing and maintaining the compensation structure. |
4. Comparison: Corporate Strategy vs. Compensation Strategy (Approx. 1½ Pages)
- Discuss points of convergence:
- How the compensation strategy supports innovation, growth, and maintaining Microsoft’s market leadership.
- Discuss points of divergence:
- Areas where the corporate strategy may differ or lack synchronization with compensation practices.
5. Alignment Assessment (Approx. 1 Page)
- Evaluate the degree of alignment between Microsoft’s corporate objectives and its compensation strategy.
- Use specific examples from the annual report and articles to substantiate your analysis.
- Highlight areas of strong alignment and potential gaps.
6. Conclusion (Approx. ½ Page)
- Summarize your findings and emphasize the importance of alignment between corporate and compensation strategies.
- Offer recommendations, if applicable, for improving Microsoft’s compensation strategy to better align with its corporate goals.
7. References (APA Format)
List all sources cited in your paper, including the two articles, Microsoft’s annual report, and any other resources.
8. General Formatting Tips
- Font & Size: Times New Roman, 12-point font.
- Margins: 1-inch margins on all sides.
- Spacing: Double-spaced throughout, including the reference page.
- Headings: Use APA level headings for sections (e.g., Introduction, Table, Comparison, Alignment, Conclusion).