Pros
Atheros has some of the best employees! Many people are friendly, personable, and intelligent. There are a lot of interactions among employees, and it is very common that people converse in hallways, at cubicles, and other areas. The culture is very lax and informal, which is very refreshing and easy to breath. For the most part, self expression is open, and employees have the freedom to be who they are.
Cons
Atheros is very bad at handling low performers, and many of whom end up staying at the company for longer than they should. Management lacks leadership abilities and normally avoids confrontation, hence the ineffectiveness in managing the low performers. There have been cases where low performers get recognized and even promoted because management has no idea how their employees perform! While many employees are nice at Atheros, there are some very bitter and arrogant people who spread so much negativity and politics. Management are well aware of these bitter souls, but management does not do anything about it. This is how the company loses some of the nicest and most intelligent people, and sadly the undeserving people continue to stay and collect their paychecks.