I'm a little surprised this doesn't mention the death by a thousand cuts (lingchi), which in 19th century China was just not a metaphor for poor change management in software development.

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lingchi

"Subordinates of government are examined at the end of each year, and if they are found not to have improved, they receive forty blows." being carried over to year end performance reviews at many organizations. Doesn't look like much has changed.