Panasonic – “Pansonic: Heading in the Right Direction, Slowly.”

Pros

Panasonic is one of the largest electronics companies in the world. It is extremely stable. They are in the process of reorganizing to streamline their processes and solidify their base. I feel that Panasonic has the necessary foundation in both its products and in its business plan to continue its progression and expand exponentially once the reorganization is complete.

Cons

There are quite a few 'old' ideas and philosophies at Panasonic. While there is a very organized attempt to move this company forward into the 21st century and to expand on under-performing markets, there is also a drag from 'old school' thinking and policies. The company needs to embrace the new idea of the workplace and adapt its philosophies and policies to the new younger workforce that may otherwise go elsewhere.

Advice to Senior Management

Employee happiness is the key to loyalty and ownership. Instead of using the old-school band-aids of overtime pay, on site cafeterias, etc. to motivate and keep good employees, go out and actively hold onto the good employees and demonstrate what happens to good workers. Raises are great but trust is better. Commuting prices are the worst so work on more open working arrangements. Concentrate more on making life better for your employees so that they want to work harder, not longer.