At various points in the series, the motives of different characters are shown to be driven by external incentives: - the chief scientist wants to pass this test and get promoted - the manager guy received a medal for completing the reactor construction early. he also had to maintain output to meet quota for the month - the local council decided to not evacuate because the would get some recognition.

There are many characters that are so caught up with their own rat race that they are oblivious to reality.

I find this somewhat analogous to large corps and middle management. (a recent example is Well Fargo and the multiple accounts scandal).

It's interesting how these types of structures (i guess i'd call it bureaucracy) are independent of political and financial systems.