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Activant Solutions (California)

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Hands On Training in Machiavellism - Anonymous employee Activant Solutions (California) Employee Review

1.0
Oct 22, 2009
Anonymous employee
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Amongst non-management employees there is a strong level of commitment, high energy, and a great deal of comradery. Also, there is no lack of challenges or work. If you are the type who hates having to look for something to do, Activant may be a good fit. That is of course only if you enjoy playing politics beneath a growing mountain of work.

Cons

Managers have a very specific set of answers they want to hear from their employees. Despite technical objectives not being met, providing a manager with the answer he/she wants often constitutes success. Hence the Machiavellian aspect. This may sound relatively benign, but when you consider that the employee is left to clean up the mess while the manager leaves at 5 PM, it takes on a more insidious character. Also, perhaps to counteract the comradery of those at the lower end of the totem pole, management works hard to promote a culture of hostile competition and one-ups-man-ship amongst employees. When you combine this with the limited opportunities for professional growth and promotion, it is hard not to resent the needless strife on top of the already very high demands for productivity. In short, it is an environment where employees are given an infinite amount of responsibility (under extreme duress) without the authority to make decisions. The authority to make decisions is in the hands of the managers as their bonuses are affected by deadlines and invoicing.

Explore other reviews about Activant Solutions (California)

5.0
Mar 16, 2016
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

This was truly the best job I ever had, the management was excellent and I wish I still worked there. I started there in 2006 and quickly became their top telemarketer. But went through a separation and an addiction problem and deserted the position. I have been clean over 8 yrs now and would love another opportunity to contribute to their growth with my marketing and sales skills.

Cons

There were none. From the moment I became an employee there was support at every level from training to management. I truly have nothing bad to say.

2.0
May 14, 2009
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

My division has a very loyal employee group from the sole proprietorship days that work very well together despite the lacking talents of the "new" corporate executive management team. We pride ourselves on maintaining the highest customer satisafaction producing an extremely loyal customer base ready and willing to provide prospect referrals. Even with the uncertainity of the next management move which most certainly includes additional RIF potential we still continuing to drive performance both in technology and support arenas.

Cons

Executive management has been unable to produce a focused, market-driven business plan based on the independent division strengths and weaknesses. Given the contraction of the current wholesale industry segment the ability of a company to work with their client base is imperative. This fact seems to be lost on those responsible for making or breaking this company. Seemingly arbitrary hirings increasing the executive salary load while reducing the "working" population with little regard as to the full impact these lost employees might actually have on the efficiency and effectiveness of the entire workgroup has made it difficult to remain.

3
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