> ... but isn't all that just a sign of bad management? Using the words of Tom DeMarco, it is first of all a problem with the company's culture and atmosphere.

> ... but isn't all that just a sign of bad management? Using the words of Tom DeMarco, it is first of all a problem with the company's culture and atmosphere. Of course manager can setup structures that encourage or discourage bad behavior, but it's usually impossible for a single manager to change a whole company's culture. However, a good manager can (and should) try to make the best of the situation, that is, establish good communication with other managers and trying in establish a good atmosphere in her/his own division. So maybe it's all in the hands of the founders and the first managers to establish a company structure that can both grow and stay healthy. It remains to be proven whether this is possible or not. Currently, the only method known to be working it to just keep your company at medium size. Except for very few kinds of business, there's absolutely no need to grow beyond a certain size.