Pros
Employees remain motivated to address national problems in spite of rough turbulence within the company The company maintains potential to deliver great achievements for public interests.
Cons
There is an increasing workforce segment that doesn't understand the FFRDC role on contrast with the role of the for-profit sector (industry and/or SETA contractor). Pursuit of "new platforms" beyond the operation of FFRDCs to increase revenues and generate profits threatens the company's credibility, uniqueness and value...and possibly its not-for-profit tax designation. A large segment of the workforce is troubled by executive decrees and rifts, the absence of viable strategy, poor communication, depreciating benefits, and a culture of fear that is setting-in at mid/senior management levels. MITRE's executives have historically been loathe to layoff staff unless absolutely necessary, but the philosophy has changed. Management and technical staff are being told to get-on-board with 'good growth' or to get-out. Some good people are opting to leave. Former executives and board members are concerned about the implications of "good growth" and the demoralized state of the workforce. For an increasing number, it is now an open question as to whether MITRE can still be regarded "one of the best places to work" Statistics and comments on this site seem valid. MITRE has internal problems that are perhaps more serious than most outsiders (and some of its current leaders) realize. Timely intervention is needed, but probably won't happen. Key trustees seem ignorant to the significance of the internal problems...and any calls from the government for MITRE's executives to explain what is going on...just are not likely to come any time soon. Current trends will likely continue.