Impossible to get anything done without running ideas past several layers of management. Even the minor details have to be cleared higher ups. It's easier to just make the decision yourself and tell them about it later.
Many people in the management positions are not even trained at being a leader - they simply knew the job really well and were "yes" people, so the upper management can steer them. They finally decided to implement leadership training a couple years ago to improve on this, but it seems to go out the window once everyone goes back to their reulgar routines.
Old thinking from the original owner still exists. Until the old school leadership retires or is replaced, there will be a struggle between the old thinking and the way it should be done now. It's great to celebrate your history, as they do, but it's also important to let go and change with the times.
Why is an industry leader with a ridiculously high market share always crying poor at raise time? They give cost-of-living increases and tell everyone if they got them that it was a good review. Try cutting some salaries and ridiculous bonuses for the higher ups and instead spreading the wealth (when someone can buy a new car with their bonus and you have an employee who works hard and sacrifices their own time for the company, yet they can barely repair the car they have with their bonus, you have an imbalance).
