Caterpillar – “Caterpillar - not much different from other large corporations”

Pros

The pay and benefits are among the best in the area. Producing a product that is recognized in almost any part of the world is rewarding. Being a large company, it can offer its employees the opportunity of a variety of job opportunities while staying with the same employer.

Cons

In many ways, the company is still trapped in the 1950's. Promotions are often given to the connected rather then the qualified. Underperformers are not pushed to improve, due to the company's fear of legal retaliation. Topnotch employees are 'punished' by being asked to do additional work to compensate for work not being done by their underperforming co-workers, while the underperformer is allowed to continue to perform at an unacceptable level without fear of reprimand.

Many middle managers are promoted past their level of competence, but because they've been with tthe company for many years, or have highly placed friends, the situation is never addressed.

Advice to Senior Management

Reward employees who are doing well, and address employees that are not performing up to expectations.