As one who has logged in too many years as both subordinate and boss, I have come to these conclusions:
Virtually everybody, be they however worthy or worthless, believes in their bones they are smarter than their boss.
Virtually nobody believes they are being fairly recognized for their contribution.
Many subordinates adapt a strategy of disengagement, choosing to perform at a level just above where it would be worth the trouble to fire them. They become a sort of administrative overhead. In some circumstances, this can be dangerous.
Many subordinates adopt a strategy of “telling the boss what they want to hear”. While they believe this is effective, bosses worth their salary generally see through it. We sometimes laugh about these people at managers’ meetings.
Are some organizations and some people ossified beyond hope of redemption? Probably. Is it reasonable to expect existential validation as part of the benefits package? Probably not. But I think there can in most cases be a middle course. I try to surround myself with staff who are smarter than I am (which has not proved to be very difficult), and give credit where credit is due while quarantining the sulkers where they will do the least harm. I consider it a good exchange when it ends with me saying “I like your idea better”. Adjusting for the fundamental unfairness of life, it seems to work out OK for me.
Ultimately, I would think the psychic toll of play-acting would be greater than trying and failing 90% of the time. As Camus said, “One must imagine Sisyphus happy”. Of course everybody’s circumstances are different.