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Good colleagues, but bad leadership culture

Senior Software Engineer
Former Employee
Worked at Rakuten for 6 years
May 11, 2025
Bengaluru, Karnataka
3.0
Doesn't RecommendApproves of CEO
Pros

Supportive peers and smart team members.

Work-life balance is mostly respected.

Some good projects and tech exposure.

Cons

Leadership promotes favoritism over merit. Promotions depend on flattery, not performance. Leadership brings in their own circle. The People Partner team is arrogant and unapproachable. HR holds too much unchecked power.

Advice to Management

Start recognizing actual talent, not loyalty. Break the circle of favoritism and hold HR/People Partners accountable. Focus on building a merit-based, inclusive culture.

Additional Ratings

Work/Life Balance
5.0
Culture and Values
1.0
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
5.0
Career Opportunities
5.0
Compensation and Benefits
5.0
Senior Management
1.0

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