Management by talking (a lot) & Incompetence - Marketing Elsevier Employee Review

2.0
Feb 6, 2020
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

* In general, highly educated people work here (many with a PhD) * Environment is respectful * Salary is fair

Cons

* Lots of people manage by talking rather than by doing * There are more generals than soldiers (and most generals suffer from the point above) * Technology landscape scattered and to a great extent obsolete * The company spends a lot of money purchasing expensive technology, but systems don't talk to each other for lack of authority and competence * Data-driven immaturity * If you are an ambitious person, your ambitions will be killed by politics here * Those that make connections, talk, and talk, and talk; and micromanage, will make a career here

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Elsevier Response
6y
Thank you for this review. Sorry to know that this is how you feel. Our employees, as well as the leadership team globally, are unified in their efforts to continue to build an environment that is open, collaborative, supportive and nurturing. We ask that you partake in this by identifying ways to further contribute to these efforts especially in the areas of concern to you. We encourage you to speak to your manager about the issues you raised or if you prefer, contact us directly at elseviergdrev@elsevier.com

Explore other reviews about Elsevier

5.0
May 11, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Industry leader Great benefits Incentive trips Invests heavily in its employees

Cons

Processes can be burdensome and clunky at times

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Elsevier Response
1mo
Thank you for this balanced and thoughtful review. We're glad to hear that our benefits and investment in people are making a positive impact, those are commitments we take seriously. On the process feedback: Leadership is actively reviewing operational workflows, and the advice to listen more closely to employee feedback is something we're holding ourselves accountable to. If you're open to it, we'd encourage you to bring specific examples forward through your team or people and culture contacts. Change is most effective when it's grounded in the real experiences of the people doing the work, and that means you. Feel free to reach out to us at elseviergdrev@elsevier.com to provide more information Thank you for staying engaged and for caring enough to share this. It matters.
4.0
Jun 20, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

-Great company -Team has talented, experienced account managers and product experts who know the territory well

Cons

West team management is heavy on micromanagement and sets unrealistic territory targets without rep input — high turnover, and long tenure in company seems to shield this manager from accountability and growth

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