Senior leadership tells the team that they listen to Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) feedback but actions would dictate otherwise.
The company has become more bureaucratic over the years with layers of management. If you're not senior management, it is very difficult to get recognized or rewarded. Management does everything they can to keep costs low and employees replaceable. They have the mindset that time is measured in years and the strong preference is to not lose money therefore little risk is taken as the senior leaders are 5-10 years away from retirement and don't want to get fired. Being a Kansas born and bred individual with the same culture and demographics as the old guard plays a strong role in who gets opportunities.