I would tend to agree with Idunno, it’s the ambitious and power-hungry @$$licks who successfully kick, scratch and fawn their way up the corporate ladder. This particular type of reptile, having licked his way up the ladder then insists on his own being licked in turn, a vain attempt, I suppose, to get the bad taste out of his mouth. I’ve personally witnessed some of the most appalling flight department power struggles, all-out free-for-alls where complete character assassination of the other party was considered tactically acceptable.
Unfortunately, it is exactly these types of people who are in positions to provide references, good or bad. Steepclimb is most wise when he cautions against antagonizing people.
In my opinion, nice guys just want to fly aeroplanes.