"the people above me in one company don't quite do their work."


You can't have this kind of stuff going on too long before it takes it's toll. Do the job you get paid to do. Make sure everyone else does too. Make whatever "changes" are needed if they can't get it turned around. In my experience as a manager, I've learned (the hard way) that most people will get away with what you'll let them get away with. Only a small percentage of people can truly be left on their own and still get the job done right. You don't have to be an A-hole, but you've got to be tough.