As a globally operating company, promotions and bonuses are based on the performance of the worldwide business. Over the last three promotion cycles (two per year), there have been limited or no promotion slots available.
Although the promotion process is communicated transparently, the decision-making process remains opaque. It often feels like a barrier, as even direct leaders —who are involved in recommending promotions within their units— seem unaware of what happens during the subsequent stages of decision-making.