I am a bit familiar with this pattern. I think this and what the OP describes are the two sides of a similar coin. On the OP side we have a culture that is too

I am a bit familiar with this pattern. I think this and what the OP describes are the two sides of a similar coin. On the OP side we have a culture that is too inclusive whereas in your case it is a culture of not breing inclusive enough. Not inclusive enough as in not involving the correct people needed to evaluate a decision. But the OP doesn't limit themselves to business, they Aldo mention brunches, birthdayd and other non work events. From my cursiry reading, I think they are more interested in making the point that one shouldn't join random events just because they where invited but rather evaluate whether participation is meaningful first.