-Communication is not good from Upper Management down or even between departments.
-No clear plan/vision from upper management. You will never be informed on the state of the company or the direction it is heading.
-No clear expectations from upper management. There are no real development strategies in place. You will often not know what you are supposed to be doing or working on. Plans change constantly and expectations are often unrealistic (when they are given).
-Poor job security. You can be hired, given no direction or tools to succeed, then let go for not meeting expectations (see previous bullet). Certain 'departments' are a revolving door.
-No innovation or openness to new ideas. CEO never participates in collaborative efforts on projects. What she says is final and you're best not to push back or ask questions or you'll be met with hostility. Owner is the same way. What he says is gospel and there are no alternatives. Definitely not an environment that fosters creativity.
-There is a general feeling that the goal is simply to keep this company afloat rather than grow and develop it.