Tenure, in this case, is rewarded by not being laid off - because this person had old knowledge and friends with people who were in power and knew them from ear

Tenure, in this case, is rewarded by not being laid off - because this person had old knowledge and friends with people who were in power and knew them from earlier in the company. It absolutely does happen. But I have also seen people rise through the ranks by just being there long enough and being competent. That said, it is not a way to maximize wage growth or general career progress by any stretch.