Time and time again, we have heard empowerment, bottoms up approach is better. Even at lowest level. The presumption is that Theory Y works: staff will develop themselves, will engage in self improvement. But in reality that rarely works. Even at supervisory and managerial level.
Every one wants to be secure, not take risk, not cross the line, and only do the routine.
It is sad and very embarrassing but the top guys should really make it a point to follow up - to flames underneath the executive chairs.
The Jack Welch boys said it right - Follow up. Top down
