Employee Relations

Is there a complaint system in this organization? If so, please describe it.

The Microsoft Corporation does not advertise that it has a formal complaint system within its organizational structure. Rather, it stresses how the Microsoft "campus" (as opposed to workplace) values community and diversity. "Microsoft has established a number of initiatives to promote and integrate diversity at every level within our organization, and to demonstrate this commitment locally, nationally, and globally" ("Pride in Diversity: An Overview," 2006, Microsoft Website).

Harmony, rather than conflict are at the essence of the Microsoft ethos. Thus, there is an attempt to keep conflict at a minimum, through diversity education, employee team-building efforts in all of the company's various locations, and by stressing the need to work together to further the innovative efforts of the company as opposed to having a formal system for employees to air their grievances, which suggests that conflicts take place frequently.

Whether there is a complaint system or not, please analyze how employee complaints are handled in this organization.

Employee cohesiveness is extremely important to Microsoft. On the company's website, its Human Resources specialist states: "Come to Microsoft because you want to be part of the team and the mission of this company. Don't come if you're a mercenary. We don't have people here who punch the clock just for the paycheck; they really want to drive the mission forward, work with great people, and have an impact" ("Employee Profile: David -- HR General Manager," 2006, Careers -- United States Microsoft Website). It is everyone's duty to get along at Microsoft, thus complaints are handled in a way that attempts to broach differences and stifle disagreements before they become outright arguments.

Works Cited

Employee Profile: David -- HR General Manager." (2006). Careers -- United States

Microsoft Website. Retrieved 28 Jan 2006 at http://members.microsoft.com/careers/epdb/profileDetailPage.aspx?profileID=107

Pride in Diversity: An Overview." (2006). Microsoft Website. Retrieved 28 Jan 2006 at http://members.microsoft.com/careers/mslife/diversepride/default.mspx