Abstract:
The case portrays the evolution of the partnership between software giant Microsoft Corporation and United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). The corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiative was created in 1999, as a bottom-up idea, when Microsoft employees initiated to help the victims of the Kosovo crisis. The outcome was a software registration system that today helps UNHCR administer their refugee camps in a more efficient and constructive way. The case illustrates an ideal example of a CSR programme and the importance of contributions made by business to society. In particular, it illustrates how a multinational company can take a responsible role in today's modern society without diverting from its core business strategy. The case invites readers to reflect upon and discuss some important questions regarding CSR, ethics and the business role in society. A teaching note accompanies this case with analysis of the theoretical elements. This case was written with the support of a Philip Law Scholarship awarded by ecch. http://www.ecch.com/educators/products/view?id=81242 Abstract
This case-study takes us through the actual outcome of one of Microsoft’s corporate citizenship (CC) activities, namely its partnership with UNHCR. The intentions of the case are to show the potential benefits of such a partnership, the key beneficiaries as well as to trigger a debate concerning the intentions and outcomes of CC.
Microsoft and UNHCR have based their partnership on a common ground, commitment and core competencies. The collaboration has realized several projects; a registration system for refugees, community technology learning centres (CTLC), and awareness campaigns for the cause of UNHCR.
For Microsoft, corporate citizenship projects constitute an effort to bridge the digital divide through long-term investments which may unlock future potential markets. This research found significant indications that the concept and applicability of CC has the potential to benefit both business and society. In this case the two parties enjoy an improvement of performance, with stakeholder satisfaction on the one side and poverty reduction on the other, as a result of their partnership. Is Corporate Citizenship THE solution to an increasing social divide and the way to a successful market-based economy?

Abstract
The discussion of ethics, corporate responsibility and its educational dimensions focuses primarily on CSR, corporate citizenship and philanthropic theory and practise. The partnership between Microsoft Corporation and UNHCR was launched to help the victims of the Kosovo crisis, at the same time as the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation gained momentum, and in particular, at the same time as Microsoft experienced a decrease in stock value. This case study sheds light on a decade of Microsoft Corp. efforts to align business objectives with refugee aid, by use of corporate expertise and company revenues. As a leader in technology and corporate citizenship, can Microsoft bridge the digital divide for the disadvantaged and arouse the unlimited potential of tomorrow’s leaders, as the company claims in its communications? Is the partnership beneficial to UNHCR, in line with corporate objectives of “doing big things” and “doing good”?

Case 2 Microsoft
CASE 2 - Microsoft’s Partnership with UNHCR – Pro Bono Publico?
1. Is partnership the answer and can the company leverage all its assets to contribute pro bono publico?
By supporting the UNHCR, Microsoft engaged in a strategic partnership that is beyond satisfying shareholder expectations. The partnership with the UNHCR agency was not created to fulfill any financial gains. The concept was a long-term investment with promising outcomes for all stakeholders: Microsoft is supporting people in need with expertise and knowledge, helping through employee’s volunteer work, without direct return on investment. Microsoft has tremendous resources - tangible resources (capital and technology) and intangible resources (employees’ knowledge and management skills). Microsoft realized that its valuable resources can result in capabilities to reach social aspects, therefore creating value for all of its stakeholders (Deresky, 2011). Investing the company’s assets (human capital) in welfare projects contribute to social responsibility and provides its stakeholders with long-term benefits.

To contribute to pro bono publico a company needs to find and develop partnerships with which to help them carry out whatever good they are trying to accomplish in the world. The world is shrinking due to the globalization that is going on currently with the Internet shrinking the time it takes to get things done, but I do not believe that there is any company large enough to take on the entirety of the world out there by itself, leveraging all of its assets in order to do this. The whole provide value and pay corporate shareholders would go out the window if they were to do this. There is the idea that they could become a non-profit company of some kind, but the stockholders I am sure would have a fit and out the current Board and CEO, unless they were to start from scratch, develop a company and then use all of those resources for the greater good of mankind, that is sure to be a...