More diversity, less booze: Key changes recommended to Uber

Travis Kalanick, Uber's co-founder and chief executive, will take an indefinite leave from the company following a months-long investigation into allegations of pervasive harassment inside the ride-hailing firm.

It's clear from former Attorney General Eric Holder's recommendations on how to fix Uber's dysfunctional management that the male-dominated company grew huge without even the most basic procedures to prevent sexual harassment, bullying and other bad behavior.

Susan Fowler posted a blog that detailed harassment during her year at Uber, writing that she was propositioned by her manager.

The report's 47 recommendations include increased board independence, holding executives accountable with performance reviews, improving the human resources department and creating an oversight committee. When he does come back to the company, however, his job will have changed a bit; Uber's management reportedly will remove some of his responsibilities and pass some day-to-day control over to a new chief operating officer in the wake of the numerous scandals that have dogged the Silicon Valley mobility company.

The review, undertaken by USA lawyer Eric Holder, essentially takes as read that Uber has significant problems with its workplace culture and offers 10 detailed recommendations on how to fix it. Kalanick also says he's responsible for the company's current situation and needs to become a better leader.

CEO Travis Kalanick bore the brunt of the report as it recommended that the company "review and relocate" Kalanick's responsibilities within the firm.

Under Mr Kalanick, the Uber app has revolutionised the taxi industry in hundreds of cities.

On Tuesday, a report by Holder containing recommendations for improving the company were made public. The board now has eight voting members, three of whom are from within the company. And last month, Uber fired Anthony Levandowski, the head of its autonomous-driving unit, for failing to help the company defend itself against allegations that he stole more than 14,000 documents from Google.

The Holder investigation was aimed at cleaning up a corporate culture marred by accusations of harassment, discrimination, and cutthroat practices to thwart rivals and evade regulators. But on Twitter, she called Tuesday's moves "all optics" and wrote that she has gotten nothing but "aggressive hostility" from the company. In the eight years of its existence, Uber has been facing severe criticism about his work culture in various countries. It also held focus groups with the staff about perceptions of Uber's workplace culture. He said his "beliefs and approach to leadership" were "inconsistent" with those of the company.

What's more, even when Kalanick returns, his responsibilities would likely be reduced, The board has chose to accept all of the recommendations presented before it and among them, was one which said that Kalanick's responsibilities should be reduced and a COO found as soon as possible.

The company has faced high turnover in its top ranks.

"Also commend (Kalanick) for stepping aside and doing what is right for company and employees".