In "Bleeding Edge," Thomas Pynchon critiques the toxic culture present in modern workplaces. He illustrates how ambition and self-interest frequently overshadow collaboration and integrity, creating an environment rife with competition and distrust. This setting contributes to a lack of genuine teamwork, leading to detrimental effects on both employees and organizational health.

The vivid imagery of a "rat's nest" encapsulates the chaotic nature of such workplaces, where deceit and personal agendas dominate interactions. The novel explores how these factors can undermine the larger mission of an organization, making it a breeding ground for betrayal and rivalry instead of fostering growth and innovation.