Sad to say, but I have seen this type of learned behavior in a number of
organizations.
>
> For all you future managers, here's a good technique for which you
> don't need a MBA.
>
> > Company Policy
> >
> > Start with a cage containing five apes. In the
> > cage, hang a banana on a
> > string and put stairs under it. Before long, an ape
> > will go up the stairs
> > and start to climb towards the banana. As soon as
> > he touches the stairs,
> > spray all the apes with cold water.
> >
> > After a while, another ape makes an attempt with the
> > same result - all the
> > apes are sprayed with cold water. Turn off the cold
> > water.
> >
> > If, later, another ape tries to climb the stairs,
> > the other apes will try
> > to prevent it even though no water sprays them.
> > Now, remove one ape from
> > the cage and replace it with a new one. The new ape
> > sees the banana and
> > wants to climb the stairs. To his horror, all of
> > the apes attack him.
> > After another attempt and attack, he knows that if
> > he tries to climb the
> > stairs, he will be assaulted.
> >
> > Next, remove another of the original five apes and
> > replace it with a new
> > one.
> >
> > The newcomer goes to the stairs and is attacked.
> > The previous newcomer
> > takes part in the punishment with enthusiasm.
> >
> > Again, replace a third original ape with a new one.
> > The new one makes it to
> > the stairs and is attacked as well. Two of the four
> > apes that beat him up
> > have no idea why they were not permitted to climb
> > the stairs, or why they
> > are participating in the beating of the newest ape.
> >
> > After replacing the fourth and fifth original apes,
> > all the apes that have
> > been sprayed with cold water have been replaced.
> > Nevertheless, no ape ever
> > again approaches the stairs.
> >
> > Why not? "Because that's the way it's always been
> > around here."
> >
> > That's how company policy begins .....