On: A mistake that killed Japan's software industry? (...

[quanto]

I agree in substance. I see adherence of hierarchy as a facet of risk aversion. One doesn't wish to stand out too much but stand comfortably behind the veil of rules and orders.

[pezezin → quanto]

To be fair, when standing out gets you punished, I understand why people don't take risks.

[ithkuil → pezezin]

There is a subtle difference between getting punished because you're standing out or being punished because you stood out and failed

[ykonstant → ithkuil]

Neither is a good thing, but Japan definitely punishes people merely for standing out, beginning at school.