A total generalization, I know, but the problem employees ironically are often the ones promoted. Managers keep getting complaints and they want to keep their "good" employees doing what they're doing, so what's the solution? Give the problem employee a promotion and get him/her out of their hair! Typically something you might see in a big organization.

Well, besides the squeaky wheel theory, you might also throw in a dose of backstabbing and brown nosing in there, too.

Don't forget that Steve Jobs was considered a "jerk" by pretty much everyone he worked with and look where he ended up!