Pros
Overall the general work force are good folks. I think most people want to do a good job but the politics and silo mentality prevents the right things from occurring. Also the fact that the other big tire companies are equally as incompetent has a lot to do with why Bridgestone continues to plod along making minimal margins.
Cons
Politics, back biting and the good ole boys network is alive and well at Bridgestone. Having worked at several different places this is one of the most clueless organizations from a strategic perspective. However they are brilliant at the art of political survival. Above a certain level more time is spent on trying to get your next job than getting your current job done right. Lots of talk about "best places to work" but the HR functions really are more about protecting the company from the employees than being an employee advocate. They pay just enough to keep you there but still below market. The bonus package is nice but you can tell it is not going to last. One other warning is good luck to any company we acquire. Bridgestone has a special talent for buying companies it can't beat and then completely ruining them until only the name exists...Firestone, Dayton, Bandag...Rather than leverage what made them successful we tend to make sure they sink to our level of mediocrity.