[Riod]

Agreed. I think it can be traced to cultural factors. From working in the US, I find that needing to fit in is a huge part of their work culture. People notice when you don't share the same interests. The compulsion to flatter your boss is very strong. Very different to my part of Western Europe where work is work and not about finding people with the same interests to hang out with. I suspect the 'smart' employee in this situation was probably frustrated and wanted a higher performance environment. Entrepreneurship would probably be a better path for him.