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Activists at Microsoft looked at the success of activists at Google at pushing company to drop military contracts, and now feel more encouraged to push the company than they were decades ago, when military contracts were seen as a completely normal thing.

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I think you've nailed it. Unfortunately, I think those Microsoft employees are going to see a different reaction from their management.

Probably uninformed opinion given I haven’t worked at either, but I suspect you’re right.

Microsoft seems to be a lot more grounded in the dollars and cents of running a business. I doubt a few squeaky wheels distract them.

Google seems to still attract many idealists who feel they’re creating a better world (ironically, through advertising). They seem to operate with a flatter management structure that gives engineers freeer reign.

Also, the nature of the projects seem to be fundamentally different.

I don't think that's true with the current MSFT under Smith and Nadella.

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