Relatively strong brand and product offering but poor prospects and extraordinarily inept middle management
Pros
Canon is a well-established and respected brand offering a strong product lineup, especially for production printing and consumer, cinema and medical imaging. Its offices in Stockley Park, an attractively landscaped business park close to Heathrow, offer a multicultural environment and good canteen facilities to compensate for the almost complete absence of alternative infrastructure in the immediate vicinity. The working environment and methodologies tend firmly towards the sterile and unstimulating but this may suit individuals looking for an unchallenging 9-5 position.
Cons
Some of Canon's key products fall within rapidly declining sectors. Its senior management is noted for its conservatism and consistent failure to respond sufficiently quickly to market trends and changes. It is burdened with excessive middle-management, much of which staggeringly inept and uninspiring, lacking training even in the basics of management, with poor product and process knowledge, a tendency to micro-manage, scant awareness of the skillsets of team members and little guidance from senior management. The lack of investment in its staff - training is virtually non-existent - and of recognition of achievement reflects very poorly on Canon as compared to other companies. Communication is inconsistent, leading to suspicion and a lack of trust towards management among staff. Canon is still extremely conservative in comparison with its peers as regards all forms of flexible working arrangement. Even the quickest walk around the offices would reveal very poor morale and a lack of focus in some departments, as well as a working environment lacking the stimulus and creativity that might be expected from a brand known for its imaging.
