Pros
Portions of the company are decisive and move forward, although far slower than seems necessary. Market penetrations into Asia and South America are a result of effective action oriented strategies. Management has no hesitation in cutting operation segments, jobs or markets to enhance profitability. It appears growth and pruning are both at work which is laudable and speaks well of management. MWV appears to have become more risk tolerant and from the outside it appears that this has been a part of recent successes MWV puts on a good face for prospective employees but their experiences are wildly variable, or at least an informal survey said this in 2012. On-boarding procedures were still being developed in 2012 and that alone seems indefensible. For the most part, the company does well because it employs good to excellent performers. Work loads are high, which is as it should be, except for unsubstantiated reports out of Richmond at World Headquarters. The best part of MWV is the visible dedication and commitment to core values of integrity, stewardship and respect for the individual. It certainly allows new and existing employees to gain and maintain an esprit de corps that makes working for MWV a near unique experience.
Cons
Employees are told of their value and importance in the chain but the reality resembles most of corporate America. The instant you falter or your area gets negative assessments; the axe falls. Older workers (also more expensive?) seem to disappear while some prosper; it smells political and like "who's your mentor?" at work. One day you are there and the next you are not; questions by those who remain are discouraged. Transparency is selective. However, nothing new here just don't by into the "...our employees are a valuable resource..". Stay loose, give your best, as you should everywhere and keep your resume in circulation. NEVER mention to anyone you are looking, this is viewed as disloyalty and your ticket to the parking lot. So far just minor stuff, but the message is that integrity no longer rules at MWV. That is the biggest Con of all. Operating unit management runs from inspired leaders to arrogant bullies with massive inferiority issues. Praise is seldom heard unless you pass the sycophant test. Trust of managers at this level is near non existent but no one wants to speak up and lose their job. In place, a punitive culture remains well hidden. Fortunately for MWV these pockets appear to be isolated. Finally the biggest con job of all "Market based compensation" A survey of five departed employees found all were seeing posted salaries in the "Market" well above what they left. Caveat Emptor.
