[djbusby]

Have to know the balance. Try three things, then ask the next person up the chain for a pointer.

[f1shy]

Lately I've seen a strong tendency, where I work, to see people with less knowledge "up the chain". Is there only where I am. From your comment, seems to be different where you are. If I'm stuck with something, the LAST place where I search for answers is "up" in the hierarchy.

[jokethrowaway]

It's common everywhere larger than X people.

That's why bigger orgs are inefficient and need to acquire smaller companies to get stuff done.

Middle managers give the impression of doing something useful without actually being able to do much.