How is it that an organization with such clarity of vision at the very top can be so "Dilbert-esk" when you get a few layers down?

Is it the same dynamic that effects all hierarchies? My perspective from the inside is that Steve's energies focus on creating products that stand-out from the crowd. Products of class that are compellingly simple in their use. Desired more than sold. Then we have the organization beneath this. Scott Adams could mine the riches of material here.

The same as every large company I hear you say! Of all the computer and CE companies, the expectation could understandably be different for Apple.

Perhaps the common denominator here are the individuals that are attracted to work and survive long-term in large companies. What drives them? Is is the need to pay the mortgage. Or for security, status or career development? Survival? It's certainly different than what motivates Steve and what has made Apple successful. And as you explore this "fat belly" the difference becomes glaringly obvious.

Steve drives the team to create products that are among the most desired. Step a layer or two out from this, fear for job security drives compromised consensus's, rampant politics and ultimately dumb ass thinking. Thank goodness for the cool products. Otherwise it would be just like working for any other large company.

[sigh, end of riff]

Additional thought: Would an edgy character like SJ survive in the middle of this mediocrity? Imagine they were starting their career as opposed to running the company. Let's hope nothing takes SJ out of the business as I'm sure Apple fans from the late nineties can attest to.