Thread regarding Qualcomm Inc. layoffs

imvl: Backstabbing.

Backstabbing the actually the least problem here. The real problem is how the heck those do-nothing management got their good ratings in this system....

The problem is when performance is ranked on how closely your accent matches your director rather than real metrics. Metrics at Q are not always reality based, and its easy to marginalize a great performer and pro up a marginal performer. If you go to HR or try to change divisions based on your contributions being awarded to another based on the directors race or possibly even salary kick backs, you get flagged for pip out last off.

The problem isn't the method, it's the corruption and HR is the most corrupt.

#rankandyank

Microsoft and GE dropped this management practice

Very good article that talks about why the rank and yank management system creates a back stabbing culture and stifles innovation. This is the main reason Qualcomm lost its ways.

"Because someone would have to be ranked worst even on teams full of all-star performers, Microsoft's most talented employees refused to work together. Because employees were not judged on their own work, but on how well they did relative to their peers, they would actively seek to undermine each other."

http://www.businessinsider.com/why-yahoos-performance-review-system-landed-yahoo-in-hot-water-2016-2?ref=yfp

@FMJgjj7-pmb

"At school you are ranked according to how well you perform". This is not true for unis where semester grades are calculated by using the curve system.

"universities are not trying to trim headcount so they can same money": You have no idea what you are talking about. Many graduate programs cut (for cost reasons) 1st or 2nd year PhD students based on letter grades which are function of peers' performance (a few schools kick out 20-25% of the first year students and this is known to students once they enter the program). Moreover, scholarships/fellowships (equivalent of bonuses in industry) are given based on grades. Hence, in a cohort with all students being exceptional, not all of them will get the great scholarships/fellowships.

At school you are ranked according to how well you perform, and universities are not trying to trim headcount so they can same money. Q is the polar opposite.

Stop criticizing Q for everything. Besides big companies, evaluation based on relative performance is true for (under)graduate programs at US universities. I am not saying this system is optimal but nothing is wrong here with Q.

There is a reason companies use rank and yank. So they can reduce headcount without paying severance. It is really that simple. Of course they will never admit it. And if it causes some competition or even hostility among employees that is fine. Senior execs are exempt from the ranking system.