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[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous]PP.  You might like the book "Moral Mazes" by Robert Jackall.  Or you can just read the AI summary, lol.

Moral Mazes: The World of Corporate Managers is a 1988 non-fiction book by sociologist Robert Jackall that examines the moral and social world of corporate managers in the United States. Based on fieldwork and interviews, the book argues that corporate bureaucracy shapes managers' moral consciousness, leading to a pragmatic, goal-oriented mindset where personal integrity is often compromised for success. Key findings include the importance of public performance, the manipulation of symbols, and the intense competition for status within these organizations.

Key themes and findings

Bureaucracy and moral consciousness: Jackall argues that the structure of large corporations regularizes daily life, subordinates individuals to authority, and fosters a pragmatic, goal-oriented mindset that can lead to a compromise of conventional morality.

Public performance: Managers must maintain a "cheerfully-bland public face" while hiding their true intentions and engaging in intense competition. This involves a form of "emotional labor" where they sublimate their own needs to meet the demands of others.

Pragmatism over principle: In this environment, moral questions are often treated as practical concerns or public relations issues, and success depends on a manager's ability to be a "dexterous symbol manipulator".

Competition and hierarchy: The corporate world creates an elaborate status hierarchy that fuels intense competition for prestige, making organizational rules and procedures paramount guides for behavior.

The "moral maze": The title reflects the idea that managers must navigate a complex and often contradictory environment where they are constantly making compromises to succeed, leading them to question how to maintain personal integrity. [/quote]

Appreciate this very much. Thank you[/quote]

PP.  You're welcome.  It is a book about old school F500 corporations but makes general sociological connections.  It was recommended by a Purdue professor of engineering ethics who gave a talk at my employer's main R&D facility.

I liked the book a lot.  It pretty much concludes that corporate life is inherently feudal.

My most successful peer female MBA went to a top b-school.  I went to one in the Top 20. My career has flatlined. I have well-adjusted kids who love me and value my guidance.  My peer is a VP and only has a dog.  I've known her since kids were something we both spoke of having.  I wouldn't trade places.

Your kids won't think you're a D unless you treat your family badly (spouse as well as kids).  My kids were fairly accepting of having a working mom.  They are both boys so I think it's good that my future DIL's will have had a path blazed for them IF they want to work.  Kids know love when they see it.[/quote]

I’m sure the successful VP would absolutely NOT want your life as you flatlined and having the dog is awesome! Sounds like she has a great life and values her freedom. [b]She has won at life![/b]👍[/quote]

See, here's the problem, these people who claw their way to the top see life as a black or white / winner or loser game. To that end, they are willing to have no people in their lives who will complicate the goal of "winning". So they have a dog who basically presents no conflict, demands and low emotional expectations in their lives. It's the Mr. Potter character from It's a Wonderful Life.[/quote]

Well...that was my example.  I'm not sure why she doesn't have kids and because I knew her when we were early 30s and both talked about having kids, I assume it might be fertility problems and/or her husband wants to remain childfree.  So I've never asked.  Part of the reason she is successful is because she's intelligent but a good listener.  Nobody feels threatened by her.  I actually think she's risen because she is a palatable female exec (doesn't come across as b_tchy but is extremely smart and got good work experience along the way). I had the opportunity to meet the first two female VPs ever from my company, and their reminiscences strongly suggest that female likability is extremely critical at my company.  Vs. "Getting results" or whatever it is that the powerful male jerks at my company do to get ahead.

I definitely think having kids prevents women from putting in lots of overtime that could help you rise.  But a lot of what I see going on looks purely like affinity bias/guys hiring guys.[/quote]

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