The style of the Big Boss

I have worked for a number of large corporations, each with its established ‘culture’ and way of working. But I have noticed that the noble tradition and lofty goals of an organization are completely overshadowed by the style of the most visible 'big boss’ in the company. If the big boss is a decent person who values and respects employees, the underling managers follow suit, and everyone is civil and nice to each other. On the other hand, if there is a tough dictatorial boss who treats his direct reports with little respect, the same attitude is transmitted to the ‘trenches’. The work environment becomes quite unpleasant marked by intense office politics and backstabbing. I thought about this phenomenon when I read the recent report by the Amnesty International. The report said,

“The USA, as the unrivalled political, military and economic hyper-power, sets the tone for governmental behavior worldwide. When the most powerful country in the world thumbs its nose at the rule of law and human rights, it grants a license to others to commit abuse with impunity and audacity. From Israel to Uzbekistan, Egypt to Nepal, governments have openly defied human rights and international humanitarian law in the name of national security and ‘counter-terrorism’ ..”

What a complaint against a country constituted on the motto 'Liberty and justice for all'!

By the way, the Amnesty International reports hardly get any coverage in the news media ('They are always complaining.').