I was sharing theories with a friend just yesterday as to why bad managers exist, why they last so long in there position, and why they aren't summarily fired.

I was sharing theories with a friend just yesterday as to why bad managers exist, why they last so long in there position, and why they aren't summarily fired. They may have a good relationship with senior leadership. The are ok with being the "bad guy", which weak leadership sometimes needs. Their team is too fearful to complain. Senior leadership may be more willing to "protect their own" and one one two employees complaining may not constitute enough of a reason to fire a fellow leader. Also ironically sometimes bad managers can make for good teams. The team comes together in an US vs Them mentality, learn to be more self-sufficient, and work hard to avoid the wrath of their awful manager.