[yamike]

How do you tell the difference? You interview with them and find out what they are willing to offer - the whole package including getting an idea of the human side.

There are many, many different roles in any large company. You can't please all of the people all of the time. I think the key is recognizing what people the company truly values. In some companies it's the software folks, in others it's sales, and in others it may even be front line support. If you are outside the in group, then it may still be a good company to work for as long as you a) recognize you are but a cog in the machine, and b) can be happy doing your non-glamorous work and going home to your (hopefully happy) life. Just make sure you are a well compensated cog.