Keep in mind that those surveys DO NOT go out to all employees. They are targeted towards a VERY specific part of the employee population. The marketing folks are also very skilled at designing these things. The last thing Tilton and his wannabe-VP's want is to read survey after survey slamming their leadership. That's why few of the questions are worded to solicit that kind of feedback. I remember taking one shortly before leaving the company. I was hoping to be able to provide true feedback on my view of the culture of UA and the leadership of the company. But the questions were not worded in such a way as to give that kind of feedback. It was disappointing.
If you ask me, these surveys are just a way for them to placate the employee population into thinking they are serious about making real changes. The fact remains that the culture at UA is still as bad as it was 10 years ago. It's still weighed down with numerous ineffectual and morale-killing upper and middle management. Tilton has changed many of the VP deck chairs since he took over. But I'd like to see numbers on just how much of the manager (meaning management employees who directly supervise others) ranks has been purged due to job performance since Tilton took over. I think those numbers would be telling. But to be fair, it takes a strong executive to have the stomach to change the poisoned culture of a company built up over decades. Many have talked the talk, but failed in execution. Bethune and Brenneman were successful in doing it at Continental. But I honestly don't think Tilton has any desire to change the culture at UA. He's not in this for the long haul. Mark my words. He will deal off UA to whoever ponies up the cash and then he'll walk out the door laughing all the way to the bank.
