The reality is that the SDMs are cogs in the machine as well. If a director asks the SDM why an employee isn't performing, and the SDM responds with any reason

The reality is that the SDMs are cogs in the machine as well. If a director asks the SDM why an employee isn't performing, and the SDM responds with any reason that doesn't support the organisation's goals, the director / VP is going to ask the SDM to get rid of the employee to meet Amazon's infamous URA quota[1]. If the SDM refuses, they are going to find another SDM who will do the job. At the same time, the following is also true > A significant percentage of SDMs believe they must "keep a high bar" and remove any dissenting subordinates. > The difference going forwards for Amazon is that the stock is mostly stagnant, and so employees are no longer putting up with miserable harsh working conditions, the financial incentives are no longer there. This is why Amazon is now importing a lot of international engineers, especially from Amazon India. Employees on L1 visa can't refuse the harsh working conditions, unless they are willing to take a huge pay cut and move back. [1]: https://archive.is/44DyG https://archive.is/44DyG