At least the GMFO stood up for his staff and took a sensible approach. Was this DF?
Now it seems the majority are in it for self preservation rather than use their common sense in managing staff.
The managers are recruited for their experience and commercial sense (see ad's on website) then as they join they realize this is of little value in QR. Following the leader is the only way to get anything done - be that right or wrong.
The regional guy in Europe stands up for himself and staff, but the rest around the network are just messengers and are completely in competent in their role of 'managing' their region.
It comesback to realizing that staff are your strength and should be managed with care. Even HR fail to do this - miserably.