Thread regarding Anadarko Petroleum Corp. layoffs

Agreed...no core values with this company....zero!!! Where are the old days when this was a respected company and employees were valued?

What a wide open topic, and worthy of discussion. "Hypocrisy" regarding core values doesn't begin to cover it, but it's a good start. Much conduct from management that has nothing to do with core values or servant leadership, in fact quite the opposite.

To hit a few of the high points:

1. Most management wasn't laid off, making the company even more top heavy than before, and that's really saying something. Appears that the basis for many layoffs was more political than anything else, and disproportionately directed at older workers.

2. Although there are talented and conscientious people working here, many of those remaining in management should have been on the receiving end of layoff news. First up for consideration might have been the unqualified and the known bullies. Not to mention the semi-literate whose emails need to be re-read several times before the meaning can be discerned.

3. Some in middle or lower management routinely disregard core values, intentionally withhold information, intimidate, devalue, fail to reward, speak with, work with, or develop others outside of their

friends or "approved" direct reports. These are people who were untouched by layoffs (so far).

Quite a disgraceful performance in many ways from a company that says one thing in strongly promoting core values, yet tolerates (and promotes) hacks in middle and lower management and supervisory roles who practice the opposite, and were allowed to make or influence layoff decisions.

Just scratching the surface, but "hypocrisy" is a vast understatement.

"Core Values" go out the window when prices decline. Core Values turn into "cover your ass. It happens to all of these oil & gas companies. It's easy to have great "Core Values" when prices are $100/barrel. You really find out about companies when things get tough. I will give Anadarko a little credit... they held on longer than just about everyone else. Most companies started laying people off more than one year ago. Anadarko waited until it was clear that prices were not going to rebound. This industry is fueled by debt and downturns are part of the landscape.

Values are a sham and marketing ploy. All companies have the basic 4 or 5 that APC has. APC is built to fund the top execs pockets. It's an exclusive discriminatory group of white guys. Nothing more - nothing less. We as employees are bystanders who get some crums but it pales in comparison to what those boys at the top rake in! Just the facts - read the K. It's all there is black and white !

The core values can be a set of virtues and values that encourage functioning as an organization with civility. They can also serve to define the insiders, the true believers, the cult members. Employees are rewarded for standing and cheering for the company and its values in ways that are quite sickening. But it is part of the selection process and self selection used by the company to advertise what a great place it is to work. Top employer in Houston. If you don't buy into the company 100%, get out so that we can replace you with a true believer and brag how happy our employees are. I have never seen management reflect those values. Mid and upper management cultivate followers and reward worshippers for as far back as I can remember. They want servile flatterers who will support their rise and their entitlement to more compensation. Those who don't, get out. I'm looking at you Bruce Busmire.

There is a double standard. Management does not live up to the core values. Their hypocrisy just became more evident once the "tide went out" and the rank and file got silence and lies and job cuts based on politics.

Core values are not for employees. They are fluff for investors. Don't be naive...

You need to go to work for another company, and you will see the same thing. Management has to have something to fall back on, and most have these values in place. I think Anadarko puts up a good front to the public, but inside they are just the same as any other company. In these days and times employees seem to be looking for a company that makes them feel good, and Anadarko is great at handing out the perks and other things that make employees feel good. In the end they are there to make money, and employees are there to pursue that goal. Making money is the real core value.

Large companies are like an extension of being in high school with all the clubs, popularity contest, etc. If you know this upfront you should be okay. I will say Anadarko is one of the best at playing these games. They are also a good place to get a paycheck, bonuses, and all the other good stuff that goes along with Anadarko. Don't be too hard on Anadarko as they do provide for their employees very well.

Take the core calue thing with a grain of salt. You are not marrying them.