Toxic Culture Driven by Favoritism and Poor Leadership - Consultant AstraZeneca Employee Review

The functional support department in the Chennai office is plagued by a toxic culture of groupism, largely driven by certain mid-level managers (notably Skumar and his assistant Mkumar - names shortened for privacy reasons). If you’re not part of their inner circle—typically people they've previously worked with—you’re treated as an outsider, regardless of your skills, performance, or dedication. Team calls can often be uncomfortable, especially if you’re not aligned with Skumar. He has made inappropriate and unprofessional remarks, including saying things like “I have a second face,” which creates an environment of fear and mistrust. He also expects employees to work as if it’s their own family business—an unrealistic and unfair expectation considering the lack of recognition or support.