Monster Worldwide – “Monster at the crossroads”

Pros

Good benefits, technology, value of work to people's lives. Still a leading brand on the internet although innovations aren't getting traction they should.

Cons

Culture of fear, declining quality of upper management, long slide from hot internet startup spirit to slow, quarterly earnings culture. Constantly switching priorities; most initiatives take many layers of approval going to the top, where they sit for months. Recent new products promising but remains to be seen whether it's too late.

Advice to Senior Management

You were brought in to clean up the mess left by a few bad apples at the top. You did a good job cleaning it up but the tight corporate culture, and governing by fear, is driving away the best talent. Ruling by fear means you won't hear the criticism and suggestions you need to pull out of the long dive.