(Image Source: Mobile Crunch)

BY JIM FLINK

Is Research in Motion on the verge of mutiny? Several media outlets are reporting mass dissent within the ranks of the Blackberry developers. Boy Genius Reports says it has an internal memo -- sent to RIM co-CEO’s Jim Balsillie and Mike Lazaridis -- from another high-ranking executive -- who remains anonymous.

“I have lost confidence.  While I hide it at work, my passion has been sapped. I know I am not alone — the sentiment is widespread and it includes people within your own teams. … the culture at RIM does not allow us to speak openly without having to worry about the career-limiting effects.”

That letter goes on to outline 8 points to fix the corporate culture -- from accountability to efficiency to developer-relations.  RIM disputes that the letter is -- in fact -- legit.  TIME’s Techland reports the official company response.

"it is particularly difficult to believe that a 'high level employee' in good standing with the company would choose to anonymously publish a letter on the web rather than engage their fellow executives in a constructive manner."

Analysts say, the fact the company even responded to the original report -- gives it credibility. And while the company says it’s going through growing pains, on CNBC analysts say, growth?  What growth?

 “They don’t have a new product.  DB7 -- it’s not gonna be ready.  The ONX operating system?  Not ready just yet.  So when you look at their smart phone market share.  Think about this.  In the beginning of 2010, 20%.  In the beginning of 2012, that will whittle all the way down to 10%. How do you incent an employee with a company like this, when their stock options are just getting vaporized every buck that the stock drops.”

And Mobot notes, the company response to Boy Genius Reports -- was defensive -- and ineffective.

“...to sum up, it's sadly predictable: first the company questions why the employee couldn't raise their reservations openly, then throws out some numbers in an attempt to show that things are actually going well, and closes by claiming it is ‘more committed than ever to serving its loyal customers and partners around the world’. The words ‘head’ and ‘sand’ come to mind...”

Lending more credence to the internal problems at RIM -- The Financial Times says, the company has launched an examination of its internal structure.

“... the committee will study several issues related to RIM’s leadership structure....The committee will also report back with a recommended governance structure for RIM, ‘which will include clarifications of the co-CEOs and Chair roles, as well as the board’s mandate.’ ”