Avantages
Job security for GOOD professional employees with extensive scope to move around the company. The benefits are remarkably generous, and Dr Goodnight genuinely cares about his employees; unlike the pretention proffered by most companies. Some very smart people at SAS Institute; and once one avoids the "idiots" and "sloths", one can actually make a huge impact inspite of the very poor management. The ability to be treated with respect and given own office is tantamount to very productive work for most of the employees.
Inconvénients
The very poor middle-management. Very ineffective and usually the least bright take on management. Most of the managers run for office, hoping to be "liked" by their reports, and all are confined by the restrictive culture. Upper management are very poor communicators; and do not stimulate employees. Need to weed out the losers. There are many - perhaps 10%.