Blame Quote by Jack McDevitt
“When things go wrong, the standard management strategy is to decide who takes the blame. This should be an underling, as far down the chain as possible, but preferably with some visibility so people know management means business.”
About This Quote
Source Novel: The Engines of God, 2009
Blame is often assigned to low-level staff to protect higher management, creating a culture of scapegoating.
In simple terms: Management shifts blame to subordinates.
Key Takeaway
Promote accountability at all levels.
Themes
leadership
ethics
accountability
Mood
critical
reflective
Type
ethical
practical
When to use this quote
- corporate policy
- team management
- HR practices
- crisis response
Key Concepts
organizational behavior
power dynamics
Questions to Reflect On
- What systems ensure fair responsibility distribution?
- How can leaders model accountability?
A Different Perspective
Blaming subordinates can erode trust and morale.
![“One common behavior of late Stage 3 [in the process of a company's decline] is when those in power blame other people or external factors- or otherwise explain away the data- rather than confront the frightening reality that the enterprise may be in serious trouble.” quote by Susan Collins](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/427/susan-collins-8729_behavior_one-common-behavior-of-late-stage-3-in-t_1073915.jpg)
![“...those whose tastes run to personal power [can] never be trusted to act save in the pursuit of their own ambition.” quote by Jack McDevitt](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/222/jack-mcdevitt-8429_ambition_those-whose-tastes-run-to-personal-power_190484.jpg)
