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Slow and tired. The extreme contrast of an innovative startup

Senior Software Developer
Current Employee
Has worked at IBM for 6 years
August 28, 2012
1.0
Doesn't RecommendNeutral OutlookNo CEO Opinion
Pros

Job security and some social benefits.

Ability to work (but not travel) in an international environment.

Cons

Big and slow, with a management culture from the 60s. All focus is on cost and numbers, enforced by rigid processes. Logic has no place in any monetary equation; all decisions, irrespective of size, are driven by rules and regulations set in stone. Time or results do not matter, cost does. Employees are "resources" that cost money; the less the better.

Management is based on control and approvals rather than trust and inspiration. IBM is still the same hardware factory it was back in the glory days (60s/70s), but time has passed and the world has changed. The old ways do not stand up to the expectations of current customers or employees.

As an organization, IBM is hopelessly out of date. It stays alive by buying innovative and successful companies that slowly suffocate or dry out as acquired talent abandons ship. Organic growth or innovation on the software market is simply non-existent.

Advice to Management

Trust your employees. They actually try to do a good job for you.

Leverage the skill and embrace the spirit of acquired companies. They were successful for a reason. Don't force them into the outdated IBM culture.

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