The case illustrates the pervasive sense of ennui and helplessness being felt by almost all the middle managers working in a large manufacturing organization. the reasons for such a state could be complex: the culture of the organization, the personnel policies, as also the structures, processes and systems prevalent in an organization. the pervasive sense of helplessness and meaninglessness being felt by the middle management sends out a powerful signal that the crisis facing the organization is a complex one with its roots going far deeper into the very way the organization has been designed.