In his book “On a Clear Day You Can See General Motors” John Z. Delorean said “Weak, incompetent managers promote the least likely candidate.” They don’t want to risk pressure from below.
Very plausible. Kind of an envy, pride based politics.
Actually explains some things at the place where I’ve been working recently. Nebbish over-boss calls in under-boss who can’t threaten him because he lacks the capabilities. Both bosses call me in to work for them. Wonderful, no? Well, no. Bosses have chaotic management style and then wonder why I’m not hopping along at warp speed.
[Bosses have chaotic management style and then wonder why I’m not hopping along at warp speed.]
And then, some “witchy” person in HR who hates both bosses AND me, comes in and spoils it all. I think I’m in a soap opera :-)