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Life at the Twentieth Century Motor Company under The Plan bears an interesting resemblance to life in a unionized plant. Let’s explore why this is so.

...One man came up with a process that saved thousands of man-hours, got himself labeled as “exceptionally able” and found himself sentenced to double shifts...

This type of treatment currently occurs regularly in both union and non-union jobs. A 'double shift' is one form of this tactic but not the only one. An exceptionally talented/skilled individual will be given the most difficult task in any group endeavor. The praise is heaped on them and they will get 'attaboys from all around but in the end, they are no better off than the onlookers warming up their hands for the ol' pat on the back. I really hadn't questioned why this occurs until reading Atlas Shrugged. I am of the opinion that the capitalist system would be just as likely to embrace manipulation as does communism. The capitalist, being interested in profits, would understand that peer pressure is one of the great motivators of an individual in a group setting. The same thing is happening at the Twentieth Century Motor Company, with the resulting profit going ostensibly to the group instead of the capital investor. Group think, being what it is, is a powerful tool that can be used against the individual. The reason for the manipulation is what defines the hobos story.

I can recall many meetings in my past where praise for being a 'team player' was doled out profusely. The phrase gets to be about as welcome as fingernails on a chalkboard when you realize what is truly being said. I had always considered myself a free agent and brought my skills to the workplace with the intention of fair trade, but I can honestly say that it never occurred (under the current system of regulated capitalism) until I went to work for myself as an independent contractor.

So, if you recognize this as your own experience, take my advice - the next time you are praised for your wonderful work ethic and being a team player, don't walk, RUN to the nearest exit and don't look back. If you can recognize the value in yourself you will never regret leaving.

I am of the opinion that the bureaucratic capitalist system would be just as likely to embrace manipulation as does communism.

There. Fixed it.

The experience I had in 30+ years of computer programming for large banks and insurance companies was exactly what you stated. Risk and effort were not rewarded due to bureaucratized procedures that made reward impossible. Moochers or innocent bystanders would get credit for what you did. When an unqualified lady got a promotion that should have gone to me, I quit on the spot and retired. I have never regretted that decision.