if it's anything like being a security guard: the owners don't know and don't care to know while the managers do know, but also don't care because they feel it improves their own profile to the owners to have the underlings stand to give off the impression that they're alert -- they're not alert, they're too tired for it; but they have to pay rent so they have no choice.

it's basically marx's ruling-class/petite-bourgeoisie/proletariat dynamic but on a miniature/individualized scale.