Microsoft and UNHCRs Partnership Pro Bono Publico - Case Study Example

MICROSOFT CASE STUDY REPORT Name: Institution: Date: MICROSOFT AND UNHCR’S PARTNERSHIP – PRO BONO PUBLICO Core business expertise and competencies of Microsoft are used to enhance technological capacity of UNHCR, drawing technological benefits nearer to the refugee community in addition to supporting UNHCR’s awareness raising, general mandate and refugee advocacy (Alexander Betts, 2010, p. 36). A variety of demographic information is handled by this system including accounting the number of children, men and women; people’s age, people’s origin and protection and mortality rate. According to Patrick De Smedt, a former Microsoft chairman, the system records refugees’ medical status, food and nutrition details and helps in getting the right help and materials available to give refugees the needed service. Kosovo, 1999 During this period, Kosovo had a crisis. Worldwide, people watched the unfolding events where desperate Kosovo’s flee their homes in the Serbs with a lot of belongings. During lunchtime, Microsoft employees watched the news together (Cahill, 2012, p. 56). At this time, a particular empathy feeling arose among them concerning the affected by conflict leading to a heartfelt desire to take action by reaching the distressed people. It was a terrible humanitarian disaster. Through Jean-Philippe Courtois, Microsoft began considering its contribution in improving this situation by applying its expertise and particular skills rather than engaging into the typical philanthropy or regular charity which was wide spread among foundations, institutions and companies in United States (Cahill, 2012). Corporate Social Responsibility (CRS) had not established. Before 1999, Microsoft had not turned into CRS or Corporate Citizenship. A group of Microsoft Community Affairs professionals presided over philanthropic activities and social investment. With this argent situation at hand, a small group of employees was constituted to handle community contributions and societal initiatives. Employees from the team of business development, Community Affairs and a colleague of Jean Philippe Courtois teamed up. This team accessed a number of action strategies in aid of Kosovo crisis victims by leveraging Microsoft’s talents, expertise and employee motivation (Cahill, 2012). This team analyzed Microsoft’s usefulness to UNHCR. After analyzing, they found out that beyond basic refugees’ needs, the refugees were left homeless and lacked identity papers leaving them completely unprotected. In collaboration with other NGOs, UNHCR suggested that these problems could be resolved by allowing Microsoft to provide technology hardware and software to create a system for refugee registration. At this point, Microsoft and UNHCR partnership began. According to Frank Schott, an executive of Microsoft EMEA and who also tracked this initiative during the first lunch visited one refugee camp in Albania and was horrified to see around 5000 refugees in the camp (Nelson, 2002, p. 105). Similarly, Microsoft volunteers managed to talk directly to refugees and realized that they were actually normal people with jobs and homes but were simply forced to leave all their property behind. The refugees flee from the Serbs losing their identity and possessions. Fuelled by a strong motivation, clear objectives and success, Microsoft employees established a project which in collaboration with UNHCR built a strong partnership. Microsoft managed to donate software, volunteers’ working hours, technology assistance and cash. The first partnership phase reigned in 1999-2001 and was driven by a quick response to the humanitarian crisis (Nelson, 2002). A more stabilized evolving partnership was needed with Kosovo companies coming in to work pro bono in establishing a project profile in refugee registration system, a solution to UNHCR’s first problem. Phase two was in 2003-2004 where the project profile pilot scheme was to be expanded to a mainstreamed solution. This led to Microsoft Consulting Services assisting in the drafting of UNHCR technology specifications. MCS decision of not biding the software solution development tender gave way to ELCA, a local company situated in Geneva to be awarded the tender (Nelson, 2002). In partnership with ELCA, Microsoft helped in mainstreaming the version project profile to provide overall pro bono project management and employee time thus establishing this technology in numerous refugee camps. A Letter of Understanding (LoU) co-signed by UNHCR’s High Commissioner and Jean Philippe Courtois in December 2003, detailed the core elements of co-operation. Since 2003, Microsoft’s Corporate Citizenship has increased considerably. Microsoft Corporation Founded by Bill Gates and Paul Allen in 1975, Microsoft is the leading software technology company though it faces severe competition in home entertainment, internet and software domain. Legislatively, Microsoft handles intellectual property, web domain protection and web security cases. During the 1999 Kosovo crisis, its share value raised but severely dropped destroying its external image. Lack of investment chances, excess cash reserves, and the missing link between consumers’ demands and engineering potential were the core reasons leading to the share value fall. At this time, Microsoft was a market leader and its monopoly powers swallowed its huge competitors. Microsoft’s activities in Global Citizenship The birth of initiatives in Microsoft Corporate Citizenship corresponds with the period of Bill Gates and Melinda launch (Cahill, 2012). According to Friedman, the Microsoft had to look into issues concerning; shareholders expected profits; civil society, partners, customers, government, and community actors when considering a long term success in its business in addition to improving shareholder value in the marketplace. The Seattle protests experienced at the WTO meeting led to multilateral organizations and the formation of UN Global Compact. In Europe, government heads appealed for a new sense of Corporate Responsibility in companies (Alexander Betts, 2010, p. 98). Europe’s objectives in inclusion and competitiveness were reinforced by 2010’s set objectives and targets by Lisbon Strategy written in the EU policy document. The effects of 9/11/2001 meant that business and finance had globalized calling for further understanding and development of corporations in the community and in the society. The concept of Triple Bottom Line, ISO, Social Accountability norms and progressive partnership development started to steer up a group of business leaders (Cahill, 2012). At this time, Microsoft revised its own corporate values and mission. Microsoft’s global citizenship activities changed and were based on global corporate mission. This enables businesses and people worldwide to realize their potential fully. Through Jean- Philippe Courtois, engaged Microsoft to become a responsible leader, serviced its pro bono partnership with stakeholders, local communities, governments and customers to provide social and economic growth (Alexander Betts, 2010). Generally, the areas of responsibility involves: - Practicing responsible business in all processes together with all stakeholders, Addressing the opportunities and challenges lying in the large societal result of the rapidly growing software technology sector meaning addressing particular issues concerning online child safety, privacy and security and finally Ensuring knowledge economy benefits involve each and every person and its spread around the world. Microsoft aimed at broadening technology skills concerning its knowledge economy area to ensure they reach billions of underserved people worldwide. Technological training and education of the most disadvantaged promoted Microsoft’s partnership with UNHCR and strategized Microsoft’s Corporate Citizenship compatible with the programs of knowledge economy (Nelson, 2002, p. 134). United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) It’s headquarter is at Switzerland in Geneva, and was launched by UN General Assembly in 1950. It was earlier called League of Nations and with orders from the Geneva Convention, it managed to help Second World War refugees in 1951. UNHCR provides refugees with help which includes medical care, sanitation, water, food and shelter in addition to assisting asylum seekers. UNHCR helps millions of internally displaced people (Alexander Betts, 2010). These internally displaced people comprise of persons who have left their homes but never crossed the mother county’s boarder. Externally displaced people is the vice versa of internally displaced persons. Funding Partners UNHCR’s budget exceeds a billion dollars annually. It is therefore dependent mainly on donations provided by individuals, corporations, institutions and countries (Alexander Betts, 2010). Some of the corporative institutions in partnership with UNHCR include: - World Health Organization, World Food Program, UN Development Program, Red Crescent and Red Cross etc. UNHCR’s partnership with Microsoft was a strategic corporate partnership. During their partnership, corporations were entitled to follow the Corporate Code of Conduct of UNHCR both in practice and in principle. UNHCR set three criteria in responsible operations which institutions engaging into partnership are not allowed (Cahill, 2012, p. 152). These criteria involves: - Child labour, Sale or manufacture of components or weapons, Operating in countries sanctioned by the UN. Choice of UNHCR Due to competition of resources, companies have resulted to working and investing with refugees and UNHCR (Cahill, 2012). War and crisis has made markets to experience negative impacts; insecurity and instability making businesses to prosper in safe and viable communities. These companies end up collaborating with UNHCR. This has made UNHCR to win two Nobel peace prizes. Common Ground The partnership had to major on the common ground for a good development and survival immediately after the emergency response project phase at the times of Kosovo crisis in presence of well set objectives and goals in the letter of understanding (Nelson, 2002). Some of the objectives agreed on were to educate them on the technology which is applied for creating awareness among themselves and also encouragement on the potential they have and their needs. They were supposed to improve the refugees’ livelihood through support and technology. In order the objectives to be achieved, the Microsoft had to involve the employees, provide IT skill training and education thus being the major technology key in human face demonstration. The substantial resources required by both UNHCR and Microsoft were supposed to be either in cash or in kind thus for humanitarian response investment and the building projects for community (Alexander Betts, 2010). In the case of UNHCR, the essentials were brought about by the fact that, it works as a non-partisan organization and also an intergovernmental organization. Community Technology Skill Program This program was set for the purpose of training the computer illiterates and the disadvantaged one such as the asylum seekers and the refugees on how to use computers. In order to enlighten people on how to improve their lifestyles, it has been the responsibility of the Microsoft incentives for unlimited potential to help as many people as five billion in realizing their new opportunities. The aim of Microsoft academics is to enable other new and better ways of approaching the empowerment socially and economically through their partnership with educators, government and NGOs. The Microsoft Academics collaborated with the Red Cross and UNHCR and came up with refugees training center which was situated at Russia in St. Petersburg. Through this the refugees have begun to live a better life since they are becoming computer literates thus being able to acquire better jobs. There was another centre which was created and launched Tanzania in 2006 after they realized that the program was working after providing the local community and the refugees with the requirements of learning, internet access, distance education and external sources of support (Cahill, 2012). For instance, they have equipped the St. Petersburg center with software, personal computers and a server and also they have employed well trained employees who will train student with IT skills which are advanced and basic ones and also provide a support to the self -study and other activities based on building the community. The Business Leaders UNHCR Council The UNHCR was able to realize how potential it is with the corporation it has with other partners after some years. In addition, it was able to corporate with other companies whereby it facilitated synergies and exchange among the various partners (Nelson, 2002, p. 204). The Business Leaders UNHCR Council was created in the year 2005 after its creation was suggested by the Nike and Microsoft and the UNHCR decided to lead them. The aim of the council is to create a large number of avenues which are hard thus enhancing a control of value from many different partnerships of business. The council also has a plan for supporting the UNHCR as an organization thus providing them with building capabilities on the activities based on the UNHCR such as PR and branding and also help by providing the structure trough a continuous approach to the refugee investment for the companies (Alexander Betts, 2010). The organization of the UNHCR and its’ structure is to enhance mobilization of the executives’ knowledge of jointly finding the UNHCR, directly asses opportunities and resource donations like volunteers, tools and equipments. It was very important for the company to create partnership with UNHCR because it managed to learn some good aspects required for a better company such as mobilization of its assets, when its team would use its knowledge to deliver innovation and a real technology during the consulting services of Microsoft, under the community affairs supervision donate software etc (Nelson, 2002, p. 108). After some time there was a management for the relationships by Global Strategic Account and Corporate Affairs. Core Competence and Commitment The projects and efforts of Microsoft and UNHCR categorized more or less core commitment of which admiration can be considered for being unique in nature. However, the technology and knowledge for Microsoft has been in use hence creating the project and in common, the plan is based on the needs of UNHCR which are functional and the Microsoft competitive advantage (Alexander Betts, 2010). For both partners it was very important for them to volunteer because majority of the employees did the volunteer work passionately since it was for the sake of fellow humans. In return, they were able to shine in research and development, employee benefit, accessibility work and other citizenship practices. Implementation of citizenship program was a challenge to Microsoft despite the fact that they had started to organize its work extra thoroughly since it was locally resourceful and appropriate (Cahill, 2012). Moreover, the UNHCR were introduced by Microsoft in the use of systems which are complex thus increasing its efficiency. There has been an improvement in terms of technology at the headquarters of the UNHCR for onsite refugees’ camps and field offices of UNHCR once more serving the community and partnership parties. For more direct assistance to the refugees the Microsoft gave training scholarships to them (Alexander Betts, 2010). The branding exposure and the public relations of UNHCR help in awareness promotion to them and general public brand of which it is another aspect which is important. UNHCR budget does not widen to cover all expenditures although it highly depends on donors. It is important to plan for the UNHCR brand and exposure particularly within the business society. Evolution and progress 2002- 2003 Transitional Phase As there was transition for organizations in both 2002 and 2003 the partnership experienced a flex point despite the enthusiastic and ambitious start with Kosovo catastrophe. A time came when the partnership did not have a specific owner even though its progress was going on very well hence Microsoft and UNHCR faced other challenges. There were changes made for the managers of the partnership hence slowing the partnership progress due to these changes (Nelson, 2002). 2003- 2005 Consolidation Phase When UNHCR and Microsoft of transition period was over, in 2003 and 2004 there was this other phase known as consolidation phase which was brought under new spirit. At the end of year 2003 there was signing of a new contract and also partnership formalization. The solution which was achieved for technology problems and Kosovo crises kept on growing thus creating other camps for refugees in EMEA (Europe, Middle East and Africa) regions (Cahill, 2012, p. 59). The importance of some of the improvements was to design the kit for registration in such a way that they were interpretable, adoptable and more flexible especially to the differences in language. However, Microsoft attained the level of project reassessment as the global citizenship became a major part of the company hence it turned out an urgent need for them to say if there is an expansion need and how it was supposed to be done. Answers to Case Questions: 1) - Partnership is the answer because according to Microsoft, at the time of the Kosovo crisis, its partnership with UNHCR opened opportunities and made the company the world business leader (Cahill, 2012). - A company cannot leverage all its resources or possessions to contribute to pro bono public but giving Microsoft as an example, it can give its knowledge, expertise, some funds and employees to help in pro bono public (Cahill, 2012). 2) Microsoft is creating the ideal partnership s in complementing its opportunity raising and market opening because through partnership they are constructing their stakeholder engagement which improves their decision making in the business process and are able to address expectations in the changing society (Alexander Betts, 2010). 3) The lunch time initiative in the Kosovo 1999 crisis was a sign of the vast multinational service challenges of internal and external diversity. 4) - It was not an accident for initiatives in Microsoft’s Corporate Citizenship to be formed at the same time with the multiplied anti-trust cases and the fall of share value because at that time there was an increasing missing link between consumer demand s and engineering potential reducing investment opportunities reducing the share value (Nelson, 2002, p. 73). - A company can explain future investments to be its Corporate Citizenship because Microsoft’s Corporate Citizenship led to future investments. References Alexander Betts, G. L. (2010). Refugees in International Relations. UK: Oxford University Press. Cahill, K. M. (2012). More with Less:Disasters in an Era of Diminishing Resources. New York: Fordham Univ Press. Nelson, J. (2002). Building Partnerships: Cooperation Between the United Nations System and the Private Sector. UK: United Nations Publications. Read More