Microsoft Discrimination
Case Details
Case Code : HROB011
HR Problems
Period : 1997 - 2001
Pub Date : 2001
Teaching Note : Available
Organization : Microsoft Corporation
Industry : Information Technology
Countries : USA
Abstract: The case examines the charges of gender/racial discrimination and sexual harassment against leading IT company Microsoft. It explores in detail the treatment meted out to female employees in the company's initial years and the measures Microsoft took to improve the work culture of the organization. The case also discusses the lawsuits against Microsoft that allege racial discrimination, and analyzes the implications of such changes for the company.
Issues:
» Factors that contribute to discrimination and harassment, and the impact of such behavior on the company and its employees
Contents:
Charges of Discrimination
Background Note
About Racial/Gender Discrimination & Sexual Harassment
The Charges against Microsoft
In Trouble - Again
Exhibits
Key Words: charges, gender, racial, discrimination, sexual harassment, IT, company, Microsoft, treatment, meted, female employees, initial years, Microsoft, improve, work culture, organization, lawsuits
"How is Microsoft responsible for my stress disorder? Simple, 12 years of subjecting me to unequal and contradictory treatment, debasement, sexual harassment and outright illegal practices in its hiring, management, and disabilities protocols."
- A former female Microsoft employee, in December 1997.
"There are glass ceilings and glass walls in place for African Americans at Microsoft. We are stunned and disappointed in their treatment of Black employees."
- Willie Gary, lawyer of an ex-Microsoft African American employee, in January 2001.
Charges of Discrimination
In January 2001, seven of Microsoft's former and current African-Americans employees filed a discrimination suit against the company. One of the largest discrimination suits ever filed in the US, it alleged racism
Case Code : HROB011
HR Problems
Period : 1997 - 2001
Pub Date : 2001
Teaching Note : Available
Organization : Microsoft Corporation
Industry : Information Technology
Countries : USA
Abstract: The case examines the charges of gender/racial discrimination and sexual harassment against leading IT company Microsoft. It explores in detail the treatment meted out to female employees in the company's initial years and the measures Microsoft took to improve the work culture of the organization. The case also discusses the lawsuits against Microsoft that allege racial discrimination, and analyzes the implications of such changes for the company.
Issues:
» Factors that contribute to discrimination and harassment, and the impact of such behavior on the company and its employees
Contents:
Charges of Discrimination
Background Note
About Racial/Gender Discrimination & Sexual Harassment
The Charges against Microsoft
In Trouble - Again
Exhibits
Key Words: charges, gender, racial, discrimination, sexual harassment, IT, company, Microsoft, treatment, meted, female employees, initial years, Microsoft, improve, work culture, organization, lawsuits
"How is Microsoft responsible for my stress disorder? Simple, 12 years of subjecting me to unequal and contradictory treatment, debasement, sexual harassment and outright illegal practices in its hiring, management, and disabilities protocols."
- A former female Microsoft employee, in December 1997.
"There are glass ceilings and glass walls in place for African Americans at Microsoft. We are stunned and disappointed in their treatment of Black employees."
- Willie Gary, lawyer of an ex-Microsoft African American employee, in January 2001.
Charges of Discrimination
In January 2001, seven of Microsoft's former and current African-Americans employees filed a discrimination suit against the company. One of the largest discrimination suits ever filed in the US, it alleged racism