Here's an example: a retail store has several KPI they must hit set by corporate. One is some kind of metrics on work performed, another is not allowing above s

Here's an example: a retail store has several KPI they must hit set by corporate. One is some kind of metrics on work performed, another is not allowing above some level of overtime hours. Officially, working off the clock is a fireable offense, but no controls are in place to catch this, meanwhile the work done metrics are closely monitored. Expected KPI numbers are ratcheted up and managers are placed in intense competition with each other. Managers have been promoted internally and do not have better career options, some significant number of employees badly need their job and routinely agree to work late. This is a self-reinforcing cycle--eventually the only way to meet your targets is to "cheat". This is an incredibly common practice. Employees may come to believe some version of, "this sucks, but that's just how it is". Meanwhile employers and management have complete deniability and can point to company policy saying this is explicitly not allowed.