In Response to Microsoft's Efforts to Acquire the Firm, the Yahoo

question 146

Essay

In response to Microsoft's efforts to acquire the firm, the Yahoo board adopted a "change-in-control" compensation plan in May 2008. The plan states that if a Yahoo employee is terminated by Yahoo without cause (i.e., the employee is performing their duties appropriately) of if an employee leaves of their own volition due to a change in their position or responsibilities within two years after Microsoft acquires a controlling interest in Yahoo, the employee will receive one year's salary. Also, the plan provides for accelerated vesting of all stock options. Yahoo notes that the adoption of severance plan is an effort to ensure that employees are treated fairly if Microsoft wins control. Microsoft views the tactic as an effort to discourage a takeover. With whom do you agree and why?

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Definitions:

Androgynous

Androgynous describes a person or characteristic that blends or lacks distinction between traditional male or female gender roles or expressions.

Feminine Traits

Characteristics traditionally associated with women, such as empathy, sensitivity, caring, and nurturance.

Undifferentiated

Lacking distinct or specialized characteristics, often used in the context of marketing or biology.

Bem's Sex Role Inventory

A psychological test that measures a person's masculinity and femininity based on societal expectations.