Every orgnisation have their own basic criteria and benchmark for accessing the performance,attitude and what they consider of asset and value to the organisation.But one thing is basic,character,attitude and your skill on the job is very fundamental.You are very right, though some companies do not care about promotion, anyways, some of the criterias include hardwork and diligence, these are the major factors that enable promotion even within a short time of joining an organization, some who spend many years in some organizations do not even get an increase in pay, these are the major reasons why we all should improve on our skills.