Moral Mazes: The World of Corporate Managers

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Title Moral Mazes: The World of Corporate Managers
Publication Type Book
Pub Year 1989
Authors Jackall, R.
Publisher Oxford University Press, USA
Keywords blame, credibility, politics
Notes blame"Given the proper assurances and assumptions, acceptance of blame can be an exercise in loyalty, although it is never without risk. But the more frequent case is when those with the power to do so foist or allow blame to fall on unwary or inexperienced underlings. They do so to cover up their own mistakes, or to extricate themselves from potentially embarrassing or politically untenable situations." (p. 86)
credibility"Nor are formal positions and perquisites the only object of struggle between managers. Even more important on a day-to-day basis is the ongoing competition between talented and aggressive people to see whose will prevails, who can get things done their way. The two areas are, of course, related since one's chances in the organization depend largely on one's 'credibility', that is, the widespread belief that one can act effectively. One must therefore prevail regularly, though not always, in small things to have any hope of positioning oneself for big issues. The hidden agenda of seemingly petty disputes may be a struggle over long-term organizational fates." (p. 38)