Introduction
Vision statement is one of the most important concepts of any company or organization aiming to realize its dreams in the current volatile market situation. The effectiveness, applicability and realization of any vision of a company depend on how well the vision statement is developed. This paper discusses the effective elements, merits and shortcomings of the vision of Microsoft Company.
Vision Statement
Microsoft Company is one of the most successful companies in the world. The success may be attributed to their vision statement: “To be led by a globally diverse workforce that consistently delivers outstanding business results, understands the various cultural demands of a global marketplace, is passionate about technology and the promise it holds to tap human potential, and thrives in a corporate culture where inclusive behaviors are valued” (Microsoft 1).
Effective Elements
A good vision must be realistic in terms of what the organization wants to achieve. A vision must make sense to all the organization fraternity since it is the inspiration tool for the organization employees and thus must be credible.
The vision must be attractive to an extent that the whole organization fraternity wants to be part of the organizations’ future dream. A vision looks into the future and thus it should clearly capture the future and bridges it with the present (Cowings, 1991).
The effective elements of a vision statement are clear in Microsoft vision statement. Globally diverse workforce covers the global coverage dream; a workforce that delivers outstanding business results may be what everyone in the organization likes to be part of, workforce that is sensitive to culture diversity of their customers will ensure company’s relevance to all the global cultures.
The vision statement has also considered the changes in technology with time and thus passionate about it, realizes the importance of human potential in realizing its dreams. Most importantly the vision appreciates the importance of working as a unit in its corporate culture where inclusive behavior is valued.
Merits
It can be argued that Microsoft has realized its vision with time due to the effectiveness of its vision statement. Microsoft is currently led by global workforce that continues to grow even more, they have been able to achieve outstanding business results with ever increasing profits every year and may continue in this trend in future.
They have been able to accommodate all cultures of the world and their products are appreciated all over the world. They have been at the forefront of advancement in information and technology with their up to date products. By tapping into human potential they have been able to develop genius products which represent work of competent workforce.
Shortcomings
Microsoft may claim to envision a globally diverse workforce but most of its operations are more or less centralized. It may be hard to realize this vision in places such as developing countries where they may have not invested enough. Meeting cultural demands of the global market may be unrealistic due to the wide diversity.
It can also be argued that the vision statement is not unique and may apply to any other related company a contrast to what Maurer claims “Each vision is unique. If you create a good vision statement, it will apply only to your organization; it cannot be transferred to another industry” (Maurer, 2000, p. 5).
Conclusion
Microsoft vision was discussed and found to be effective in terms of being credible, realistic, attractive and sensitive to the future. However some elements of the vision may not be realistic and their vision may not be unique to the company alone but all in all it has brought the corporation to its present success state.
References
Cowings, A. (1991). Strategic Leadership and Decision Making. AUF. Web.
Maure, B. (2000). How to Create a Vision (or Compelling Goal) Statement. Rick Maurer. Web.
Microsoft. (2011). A Vision and Strategy for the Future. Microsoft Corporation. Web.