I don't think that software culture per se rewards failure, but rather that emergent behavior in large groups, particularly corporate IT groups does reward some

I don't think that software culture per se rewards failure, but rather that emergent behavior in large groups, particularly corporate IT groups does reward some failure. If you, as a manager, can't point to some failure, and the resulting heroics to get the system back up, then you, the manager, can't stand up in a meeting to receive pats on the back and "atta boys". Of course, it's a narrow window. Too many failures, and you get in trouble. Too much smooth sailing, and you have too many people, and your empire gets shrunk forcibly.