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To use Dilbert terms: Adams would say that PHB is dumb and he is promoted into management as that's where he can do the least damage.

Why not just fire the incompetent employee? Isn't this obvious?

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When I ponder this, the "Isn't it obvious?" frame ends up cutting both ways: ex. isn't it obvious this isn't actually an active thought when people make these decisions? (to wit, the theory cited is based on The Office TV series, which also never depicts this)

It's very difficult to fire people in many places. They would prefer you leave on your own.

facebook seemed to have no trouble firing lots of people in 2022-2023

Mass layoffs are different legally. Hard to do those in other countries though.

I mean it sounds like they're firing tons of people, competent and incompetent. If it's the only way to do it, no wonder the incompetent doesn't get fired.

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