[weinzierl]

This, but it's not only about the additional work but often about additional responsibility.

Taking responsibility for decisions that actually fall within your manager's area of responsibility often puts them in a very comfortable position. At least if they trust you and don't question your loyalty, which is exactly what you also try to reassure them if you want a promotion.

However the net effect is that it's a reliable way to get stuck on that rung of the career ladder indefinitely.

[hcfman]

Really strange. I don't see the extra responsibility by those high up in the chain. I just don't see those guys being held accountable.

Instead, I see a lot of talk down to the bottom of the chain about "Taking ownership".