Pros
Most people genuinely strive to do a good job. In most roles, Gallup does a solid job of hiring well meaning, quality people. We spend a lot of money on nice offices (especially in Omaha) - while most employees feel this is done to drive engagement and well-being, it's really done to artificially impress upon clients that we're mighty and a big player in the industry. Shock and awe is really what the family is after. At least we get to enjoy the byproduct of this showiness. On the surface Gallup seems to sincerely care about being a recognition-rich culture. Awards are plentiful in most roles (again, especially in Omaha). However, after a moment of analysis, it becomes clear that the recipients of most awards are really recognized for being sugary sweet, completely loyal minions to the family. If not loyal minions, the other award winners tend to be those willing to sacrifice any notion of healthy work-life balance.
Cons
Gallup has an identify crisis. Family leadership in DC and especially in Omaha has proven to be incapable of articulating a solid vision for the company. This has been a constant complaint by the "tribe' and a troubling issue for about a decade. I was amused by a recent Gallup review that claimed the company "is a big name consulting company" in the industry. To offer an honest review, Gallup only plays with excellence in the minor leagues. Year-over-year leadership has tried, with middling success, to maneuver the company into the big leagues with the major consulting companies. This is an ego (arrogant) driven goal. Even if Gallup had thousands of consultants who could compete in the big leagues, as a whole the company will never play with the big boys because the leadership team is very insular and not terribly bright.