There is a very interesting book, "I Sing The Body Electronic" by Fred Moody, who had the opportunity to observe a team at Microsoft very intimately over the course of a project. Back then, apparently part of the problem was that good managers were very rare, and as the company grew and grew, they put people in management positions that were not really qualified for (or comfortable with) the job.

Deadlines appear to have been a problem back then, as well.

I have wondered, how much of that has changed since. From your description, not much... :(