> The description you gave is of a dysfunctional organization. Totally. But there are many organizations like that. > the risk of the backfiring will be borne

> The description you gave is of a dysfunctional organization. Totally. But there are many organizations like that. > the risk of the backfiring will be borne by the rule breaker. But the higher up is in a better position to defend him/her. If you ask for permission then both of them are at fault.