Pros
ORBITZ WORLDWIDE (OWW) IS A DYNAMIC ORGANIZATION. A lot of companies say that they are a "dynamic organization", but few actually are. When a company says it is "dynamic", it usually means that you have to expect harsh, abrupt and sometimes senseless changes as the company responds to market conditions. "Dynamic", in the hands of bad leadership, can often be an excuse for bad management to constantly change the course of business which can adversely affect the employees. This is not the case with Orbitz. Orbitz is a dynamic organization in all of the best ways. They are constantly improving - constantly evolving. They are in a highly competitive environment, so it is important that they are always looking at ways to do things different and better. They are also in a generally challenging business (Travel), that literally changes with the weather. A company in this industry could not be successful without being truly dynamic and able to quickly respond to changing conditions. What sets Orbitz apart, is its ability to initiate strategic change while making every employee feel like they are agents of the change that is needed. Employees are not just "along for the ride" while management decides on a new course of action. If Orbitz is doing a push into a new market or product, we will hear about it... if not through regular meetings to discuss it, then through other communications. Very seldom is there anything that happens with OWW (unless its confidential information such as financials) that employees learn about by reading an article on CNN.com. We will generally know about it first. OWW PAYS WELL FOR THE BEST TALENT In my opinion, Orbitz works hard to identify and source the best possible employees. They focus very hard on making sure that they are finding people that are the best possible mutual fit. I remember back when I was going through my interview process, the recruiter asked me "so, do you think that this seems like the type of place you would want to be?" It wasn't just about me winning them over. It was about them making sure that I would succeed. Am I a millionaire? No, but I know that OWW works hard to find the best people and make sure that the applicants know that the process is not about finding how to get the best person at the cheapest price. They pay fairly (if not better than fair), and you know that you will work hard for what you are paid. OWW COMMUNICATES WELL OWW has regular employee meetings at which they discuss upcoming changes or new business. When OWW was making a major new push into a new country, they offered employees the opportunity to see what the plans were, and why the new business was going to be beneficial and positive to the entire company. In addition to these personal meetings, OWW communicates regularly through internal social networks and newsletters. They do a very good job of keeping everyone involved whenever possible. On top of all of that, the senior leadership team (SLT) is not in an ivory tower - inaccessible to the masses. You could walk into the office of the CEO if you wanted to. If they are free, the SLT are very accessible. OWW IS ACTUALLY FUN! The company has regular social events, such as "Thisty Thursdays" where drinks are served and everyone comes together to meet and talk. It is very open. The atmosphere is generally casual; the idea being that what is important is the work and offering the best service to our customers. They have different employee networking groups that are very inclusive. Some of the things they offer are simple, but SO nice... like free vending machines and coffee, and being able to connect your wireless devices to the company network. They allow us to volunteer on company time, and have different events where they allow every employee the ability to push up big ideas to improve the company.
Cons
OWW is very loyal to its employees. While that normally is a wonderful attribute, it also means that they don't like taking things away from people who have been there for the company. This has lead to an organizational structure that is somewhat fragmented. Example: Person A is a director, and they have "always had" Department 1, so even if they build up an organizational structure around them, they will have the "legacy employees" in Department 1 reporting to Person A, but then other new people with the same functions may report to Person B, who is a Manager. This leads to an organizational structure that is zig-zaggy (in some departments). The global structure can also be challenging, with some people holding onto little fiefdoms even at the expense of efficiency. Some technology groups (as well as other areas) are outsourced, and even though they all would fall under the Global "OWW" umbrella, the individual companies will not allow the particular function to be centralized. In my time with the organization, this is something that is not unique in any part of the global company.