America’s Most Admired Companies: Full list

A review of any intra-company magazine or literature from the 1950’s compared to any intra-company magazine or literature from today shows how far America has drifted from the standards that once made her great as a nation.

The criteria of today is certainly not the criteria of yesterday, as the Corporate World continues to measure the value of its company by its share price and earnings, not by the people and the organization by which it achieves those prices and earnings.

Making money from hollow chestnuts may be an extraordinary talent. But eventually, someone is apt to break open that chestnut and find nothing inside - all facade, no meat - a company rotting from the inside out.

When all that is left is the exterior indices of what was once a tower of strength, all it takes is a little force of wind to blow it away on the air currents.

The forces of nature have not yet been able to be tamed to the extent that humans can defy nature and survive, and yet companies depend upon that daily in their eternal quest for earnings. Defying nature as a private or a public policy is never what companies were intended to be about, or to pursue. Lift that works by collusion and destruction may work but harming one’s surroundings and the people who live there should not be considered admirable regardless of the high earnings available, and regardless of the payouts, or the ability to disguise it with marketing.

Such pyramid schemes are built to fail over the long run, and those who aid the process now identified as the smart managers who allow it should be condemned not praised.

That was an America that once was. Today, it’s easily to overlook all those negatives, and concentrate on the positives of now, for money now; why worry about the future?

Such wrongheaded thinking is a lesson in utility that companies once knew, but have lost both their incentive and their common sense in the ever-changing nature of the pursuit of profits. It is the business of groundhogs and ostriches that matters to short term profits, not visionary thinking or skillful management. Values have changed, and today, few companies earn it while preserving the greatness of their organizations. Anyone can sell out, why not us? might be the scale of admiration for some but doesn’t America and its people deserve more?

S.-Houston, TX.

You are absolutely right. I worked for Starbucks for about a year and it was one of the worst jobs, simply b/c of bad management. (My store manager refused to buy needed supplies so that she could stay within budget and earn a management bonus, which she then bought a new car with.) They promote employees that are disliked and make promises they can’t keep to others. Bad morale all around!

It is funny to see all the turmoil in the financial industry, but one thing has held constant. Northwestern Mutual at the top. I am a policyholder for over 20 years, not only has my life insurance outperformed some mutual funds I own. I have even received dividends on some term insurance I own!

UTC having an Industry Rank of 2 for People Management has to have been conjured up by people who DO NOT work for companies within UTC . I’ve never worked for companies that have such low regard for their employees, especially engineers. These are engineers that UTC relies on for a high percentage of their innovation and quality. Any company who places all of their value on the shareholders will invariably have to make sacrifices somewhere, and at UTC, it is the employees who are the sacrificial lambs.

It seems pretty clear to me that the people who decide which are the best companies have: not talked to anyone who actually works for the company mentioned and must get free coffe for life. Starbucks? You have GOT to be kidding me. Try talking to the partners at the stores, and see what they think. I am a spouse of a store manager and the morale is about as low as I have ever seen. Bad, Bad Bad.

Do you pay attention to what is happening or just read the public relation forms these companies send to you? Healthnet a good plave? Are you serious! let’s see, laying off hundreds, closing a call center in Oregon, rebadging IT without a severance to an outsource compnay, oh, the people who cancelled a policy and got fined $ 9 million got huge raises and bonuses..now what did you say again..this is GOOD,admired place???

Get WOWed with Tupperware!!
Awesome!

You must be joking! Accenture made such a mess of our computer system that as a result of their “consulting” we took a giant step backwards in the processing of our unemployment claims. Well, they do have a very effective sales staff, too bad they couldn’t deliver the goods.

I have been with the Tupperware company for a little over a year. I have been promoted to a manager in that time. I am thrilled to see we are #2, but I feel we should be #1. We have a lot to offer and we have always been a “green” company. I am a proud manager of Tupperware. Even though I will not give up my day job as a special education teacher, I think it is the best company to work for as I supplement my teaching income! I willb e a member of this company for the rest of my life. They are awesome!!!

I am honored that you put Tupperware in the number 2 position. I feel they are number one. I love working with this company. It is a pleasure to sell a product that everyone trusts, and knows beyond a shadow of a doubt that it will keep your food fresher longer. I have been working with this incredible company for over 37 years. The opportunity to join this company is the best decision you could make.

Individual experiences have a lot to do with what you expect and who you report to. I work to harvest money and benefits, period. Like companies and their shareholders, I’m strictly mercenary. I reserve loyalty for individuals who earn it, and they are few and far between. Excuse me while I check my lottery ticket.

Being a Tupperware consultant for 4 years+, they have helped me get into my first home. With the flexible hours (I set), I am still able to work a 40 hr. a week job as a Graphic Designer for a well known Candy Company, in WA. Tupperware really values all their “employees” and are always there to help you grow when you need them. You can do as much or as little as you like, it’s all up to you. They are there every step of the way! A+ Tupperware! I am proud to say “I SELL TUPPERWARE”.

Bill,
home depot & walmart, both cut from the same cloth.

I am thrilled to see Tupperware on the list as #2 in Household! There are very few companies that stand behind their products with a lifetime guarantee. And the opportunity for people to have their own business from the comfort of their home selling products that people have grown up with and trust is just amazing!

Home depot is not only terrible to their employees, but HORRIBLE TO THEIR cUCTOMERS as well.

It is hard to imagine how far and low this company has come down.

They used to be The Best, and now the WORST place to shop.

Tupperware is a GREAT product and the company stands behind their products with a lifetime warranty. Tupperware is also a company that offers their consultants benefits, support and opportunities for advancement that other “Party Sales” companies do not.

Worked for HP (Hewlett-Packard). I don’t know which people they paid off to get them on the admired list, but it sure wasn’t their employees. No raises for 6+ years, mandatory overtime, 24/7 on call, no on-call pay, no job security, no job satisfaction… I could write the equivalent of Encyclopedia Britannica on how awful they are to work for. Just ask any employee.

I find it insulting when I am given a credit voucher or cents off coupon instead of cash when I am overcharged at the register or even returning an item…I wouldn’t be surprised to hear the employees get voucher’s for vacation pay…if they get that at all anymore…

Anheuser-Busch #1 for Quality of product in the beverage industry? I suppose for those believe rice and corn derivates make good beer ingredients. Look for Boone’s on the list of top quality wines next!

I have been working at Corning as a “temp” for about a year. Prior to this job, I worked just over 25 years for a telecommunications company. It is so refreshing to go to work and be excited about being here, and almost everyone feels the same way. Work is FUN again! Now, if they could only take take that “Temporary” lable off my badge, I know I will be home. *-)

Home Depot is terrible to their employees. They don’t have any benefits other than what you pay for from your pay check, which is only basic, no discount whatsoever, and an all around terrible place to work. I would never make a career from this place, just a lame place to work during school.

Just started recently at Corning and am thrilled to see them rank so high - but not surprised. Everything about this place exudes commitment to their people and caring about the individual. Quite a change from previous job …

The employees of Alaska Airlines would have had something different to say but they just polled the executives who took bonuses from the paychecks of those compensating for their ineptitude. What a crock.

I’m not sure how Symantec was found to be innovative, they are an M&A company. What innovative about buy other people’s idea’s? They are really good with being “green” and socially responsible though.

Another New Hire In Raytheon: I would agree that the management system at Raytheon is top down, esp at the LT level. I don’t have much experience in other companies or industries, however i’m not willing to believe this is an isolated problem among large corporations with a solid history in a relatively unchanging (until recently) market. There are pockets of progressive directors who will hopefully make their way up the chain. I also think it depends on what business you’re working for…

New hire in Raytheon- they do not have modern system for people mgmt, they prefer top-down approach and there is very little communications between high-ups and execution level people. Most people do not know what their sr. mgmt are doing all the time.

I have worked at Intuit for 5 years now and the company looks as good from the inside as it does from the outside. It is a great place for shareholders as well as employees.

I find it hard to believe that Tupperware isn’t #1 in any category within its industry.

Collapsible bowls and dripless straw holes, among other innovations, have been stolen by their competition - imitation IS the highest form of flattery.

Didn’t FedEx get in trouble with labor unions and the government for claiming their drivers were contractors, so they wouldn’t have to pay them benefits? Meanwhile, the “contractors” had to wear FedEx uniforms and follow FedEx rules, which would make them employees not contractors. Trying to cheat employees out of benefits doesn’t seem like the markings of great company to work for.

As a Disney Cast Member, I have to say that I am proud to read that we are number one in the Entertainment industry. Our organization is simply the best and to be recognized as such is just magical!

My merit increase at Textron as an Engineer was lower than the mechanic’s union of guaranteed 4%! Can someone remind me why I went to school and am paying student loans?!

I have also worked for Raytheon for many years and disagree with Joe’s comments.
Raytheon is a great company to work for and does listen to the 73000+ individuals. that’s what makes this a great company..
Could go on and on

I have working for Raytheon for many years. It does not do a good job managing people. In fact I would rate them as one of the worst I have ever worked for. People are cattle to them, they just move them along

I am extremely proud of working for BMW. We are not just “salesmen” here it really is the “Ultimate Driving Machine” It doesn’t stop at the product…BMW treats the employees like royalty and we try and reflect that to the customer. From corporate to management, to sales, to customer, from Germany to North America it is a great EXPERIENCE…From top to bottom and we’ll never stop…The best is the only thing we’ll except.

FMC Technologies at the top??? That’s laughable. I have nothing nice to say about this company. I was recently downsized out of FMC FoodTech as my job was being relocated to another state. All in all it was a ‘bottom line’ kinda thing. BUT just prior to losing my job (which I didn’t know was happening) I booked 6 flights to a conference in Spain for the Applications group - at a cost of $12,000 and this didn’t include food and lodging at this point!

OH..they gave me a severance package which they proceeded to pay out in one lump sum…so I received only about half once Uncle Sam got his portion. I had to call to get my final paycheck as they screwed that up. I was told I would have insurance for 3 more months but when I log on to our insurance site it shows the my coverage is cancelled so again I had to call what was up with this only to find out that my packet had just been sent out (I was told that I no longer had a job over 6 weeks ago)!

They don’t care about people - management there is totally uninspiring and they are not leaders let alone mentors.

I am glad to see PPG Industries received the ‘grades’ given. They used to be a great company but when you get a CEO from England look what happens, they go down the toilet.

Aramark is listed yet they are a privately held company. I didn’t think the list included privately-held companies?

I think CISCO really deserves to be on the top of the list,and John is surely a great leader of the company,who can leads this company to be among the most important companies changing the world to a more better place.
The management quality,and the long-term strategy are really admirable.

I have just taken delivery of my 17th Toyota Corolla.
My first was in 1978.
I cannot think of a higher recommendation for Toyota.
In a word, Reliability is what keeps bringing me back.

I worked as a marcom manager for QUALCOMM from 96 - 01 when I left to start my own gig. I’m still a stockholder and will remain one for many years.

Great company: Employee benefits second to none, outstanding technology and a strong balance sheet. Led by extremely intelligent individuals. The “Big Blue” of Telecom.

Now I’m spoiled. If I ever go back to work for a company in a full-time capacity, I will always compare them to QUALCOMM. They deserve to be on this list!

I have worked in the IT department with FedEx for nearly 8 years. This is a company that is admirable to me because of its consistency in family orientation and work ethics. I am proud to have the Purple Blood running through my veins!

I work with Bank of NY Mellon, and I must say that it surely deserves the top rank.

Our managers here work extremely hard to provide the best, affordable services to our clients. Our clients are always in a race to seek our assistance, whether in Asset Management, Investing, or even Technolofy solutions to their needs.

Our CEO also keeps us updated with the corporation’s actions and encourages us to do better everyday. They provide awards and recognition for those who prove themselves and those in return thank their employees for their efforts.

It’s an honor to work here.

- A

I disagree with Fortune about AETNA. If you don’t believe me, ask the patients or Dr’s offices.

I agree with MetLife being in the Top. Great company to work for and to have as a carrier for insurance.

I certainly cannot believe that Fed-X is on any list of good companies. I have personally received poor service several times. I’m sorry, I don’t agree with this one!

What makes a company admirable – social responsibility, excellent talent, sharp marketing, smart managers, or just plain profits? What companies do you admire most?

Have you worked for any of these companies, or bought their products or services?

What do you think of the industry leaders on Fortune’s America’s Most Admired Companies list?