Earlier quoted context omitted.
The people in charge have the power and the responsibility to ensure they are doing the right thing, and that their subordinates are too. If your subordinates aren't doing the right thing, or aren't listening to you as the leader, you as the leader need to act.
people manage up and I'm sure as shit not going to be the one to tell the VP that my director is bullshitting them.
Responsibility is the ceo's/boards for most places. Not that they will be taking responsibility any time soon. But the subordinate thing still applies, I think.