Microsoft became the world’s leading software producer through a lot of hard work, astute technological and business acumen, and careful management of its organisational culture. Microsoft’s founder...

Microsoft became the world’s leading software producer through a lot of hard work, astute technological and business acumen, and careful management of its organisational culture. Microsoft’s founder and CEO, Bill Gates, based the firm’s culture on the principle of empowerment. Managers delegate power to the developers, who write and design software. The firm is managed in such a way that managers interact as little as possible with the developers, although the managers do provide mentors to help newly recruited developers to understand the firm’s culture. Microsoft’s physical layout facilitates creativity and innovation. Corporate headquarters resembles a college campus, with playing fields, an outdoor eating area, and a basketball court. Almost every office has a window, and almost every door is open. Employees work hard (80-hour weeks) and play hard (parties, pranks, picnics, sports and good-natured fun).