we're not a "society", we're individual human beings
"The problem as I see it is that we, as a society"
Each of us has his own priorities, his own things he focuses on, and it's extremely difficult to see others' priorities and values clearly.
The important thing in a work-force is to have clearly-defined shared goals for mutual benefit. Once you get to that point, micro-management is unnecessary. People can figure out their own ways to get there given the resources available. (I believe that's one of George Smith Patton's lessons.)