BIGGER COMPANIES VS. SMALLER COMPANIES: 5 MAIN CRITERIA

Choosing to work for a bigger company as opposed to a smaller company can be a decision that’s based as much upon a person’s personality and individual preference as on anything else.
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After all, some people just feel more comfortable working at one, as opposed to the other.  However, there are certain criteria to consider when weighing the pros and cons of each one.  That’s because, no matter your personal preference, there are pros and cons for each one.

Below is a breakdown of five criteria involved in deciding which size of organization is right for you:
1. Resources—As expected, bigger companies hold the edge in this department.  They do so not only in terms of money, but also in terms of equipment.  Since they can usually afford the most up-to-date hardware and software, their employees enjoy the privilege of working with them.  This is sometimes not the case with smaller companies.
2. Growth and development opportunities—Working at a smaller company could give you the chance to wear many hats, allowing you to learn new skill sets and acquire additional knowledge.  At a larger organization, where roles are more clearly defined, growth opportunities might take the form of special training classes (paid for by the company).
3. Salary/compensation—As with resources, larger companies have deeper pockets to pay out more in salary, compensation, and benefits.  However, smaller companies can often compete with the big boys.  Other advantages they offer are more timely raises and a more flexible schedule.
4. Recognition—Those who crave recognition (and crave it on a consistent basis) may find employment at a smaller company more palatable.  That’s because the close-knit nature of the organization is more conducive to a company culture where both formal and informal recognition is an integral part of employee retention efforts.
5. Pace—Work at a smaller company usually transpires at a faster pace than a larger one, sometimes out of necessity more than anything.  On the other hand, processes at a larger company are slower and more deliberate.  So that makes the pace at which you enjoy working quite important.

Ultimately, the key to choosing the right size of organization is knowing what you want in terms of your employment and your career.  Knowing what’s important to you is a major step in deciding if you’d like to work for a bigger company or a smaller one.

What are the things you want to accomplish and in what timeframe do you want to accomplish them?  How important is skill development and training?  What role does compensation play in your decision?

Which company is right for you?