Company cultures are really quite different, and the success of a company has a direct affect on the success of its employees. So, choose your company wisely, or become an independent. Be honest to yourself with your choice. Everything has its pro's and con's. But also be wise, and understand that staff in upper management spend much of their time trying to get to the next level. (sad but true). And, always remember that a good CEO never fully trusts what his subordinates are telling him.