Authoritarian rule is wide spread as a result of incompetence and deep fear of losing power.
My manager will do anything to maintain his inflated title.
He drives conflict to feel relevant and create diversions from his otherwise obvious subpar performance.
If you're lazy and talent-less, then he does not see you as a threat so will treat you with praise and kindness.
Those who have drive and creativity are bullied in order to destroy their remaining self confidence and drive. Then things fall into place.
It's bad.