Corporate Training Programs are usually only Cosmetic

Most companies only pay lip-service to training and development of their employees. In the later part of the 20th Century, much effort went into this, but as the contract between employer and employee fell apart, companies started to rely on Business schools and other vocational schools filling the gap. Of course, they do not, so most employees are on their own as companies find it more convenient to hire from outside than promote from within. Since most appraisal systems are complex but not useful, this becomes part of a Kabuki theater performance, where masks are worn to communicate what you want. Managers frquently do not know how to evaluate subordinates, and data shows, again and again, that they rate highly those whom they like, rather than the really excellent. As a result, people soon work out that being liked is the most important and they soon suppress their real personalities and opinions to get ahead.