Internal and External Factors

Planning is the logical setting of a series of goals. These goals focus on differing aspects of an organization. Planning is important at all levels of management. Characteristics of planning vary from company to company and from different levels of management within a company. In light of the four functions of management, planning, organizing, leading and controlling, planning is the fundamental function of management from which the other four stem.

Prior to developmental planning, Microsoft contemplates internal and external factors that significantly impact the planning phase of the four functions of management. These factors set the course for everything Microsoft considers throughout the planning phase. The internal factors include organizational direction, human and asset management. The external factors include collaboration, political issues, technological advances, legislative issues, environmental issues and globalization.

Internally, consideration of Microsoft’s organizational direction is outlined in their mission statement. Additional consideration is lent to the strategic plan. Human and asset management is comprised of budget forecasts, working practices, and organization culture. Microsoft management appreciates and celebrates diversity in the planning phase.

Externally, Collaboration consists of demographical changes and partnership working in Microsoft’s workforce. Political Issues contain, accountability, and equal opportunity. Technological advances at Microsoft will alter the delivery mechanisms for service and information. Therefore, Microsoft plans a change competencies for several positions the quality of external recruitment. Legislation issues impacts Microsoft’s planning stage in the areas of product and service distribution and employment legislation. Greening of the Planet is a top priority in almost every community throughout the world. Therefore, Microsoft proactively considers environmental issues in their planning phase.

We have discovered that the Microsoft Corporation, the computer software mega-star, is a future focused and forward moving global entity.

Microsoft is committed to being a responsible industry partner by working with businesses, communities, and governments to help advance social and economic well- being and to enable people around the world to realize their full potential. Microsoft's commitment and responsibilities as a global corporate citizen are grounded in our company mission and values, manifested through our business practices and operations, and carried out by thousands of Microsoft employees and suppliers worldwide.

-Corporate Citizenship Overview, Microsoft .com

Microsoft is servicing multi-millions of customers globally. Microsoft is creating innovative fresh businesses that have incredible opportunities for expansion. Microsoft’s investments are long term. Microsoft purposes help people and businesses realize their full potential.