Years ago, in a book by Eric Berne, "Games People Play" I read about this dynamic - "Let's You and Him Fight". Since then I've observed this interaction being played out over and over in families, in work sites, among friends, in professional organizations.
It's a very interesting game if you are not in the role which I call the "Dragonslayer". If you're the Dragonslayer it can be a killer. I'll describe how this game works in the work place. The boss makes an announcement about some change that she is instituting. A group of employees gets together and complains among themselves about the idiocy of the new rule. They subconsciously make sure to include the Dragonslayer in their discussions. (The Dragonslayer was probably the Scapegoat in their family of origin and they continue to act out this role in every interaction they have, including the work place. Scapegoats are great Dragonslayers.) Usually, the Dragonslayer is not personally concerned or disturbed about the new rule. However, they quickly internalize the distress of their fellow colleagues and become incensed that the boss would make such an asinine decision. The other employees decide that "someone" should go tell the boss how unreasonable she is being. The Dragonslayer interprets "someone" as meaning them. They grab their metaphorical sword and shield and "Onward Ho!" into the boss's office and tell her what "we" think of the new rule. The boss expresses concern and comes out of her office and asks the other employees if the new rule is upsetting them. They all look quite innocent and deny any knowledge of displeasure with the new rule. The Dragonslayer is stunned and feels betrayed. The employees feel betrayed that the Dragonslayer took what they said in private to the boss. Now the Dragonslayer is labeled a troublemaker. The Dragonslayer feels righteous about having had the courage to address such a heinous decision by the boss and perceives the other employees to be weak and spineless for having backed down to the boss when questioned about it. The other employees may admire the Dragonslayer's courage for speaking up to the boss and revel in the drama it creates, but they also feel betrayed that the Dragonslayer exposed what they were saying to the boss and put them at risk of being exposed. Why? Subconsciously they want the Dragonslayer to say something to get the message to the boss, but they don't want to be identified as the source in case it provokes a negative response from the boss. They are savvy enough to know that you don't make any points in your career by alienating the boss. The Dragonslayer is missing this bit of wisdom. The Dragonslayer values what's "right" over what's a good career move. The other employees value smart career moves over what's "right". Neither is right or wrong, just different ways of perceiving the situation.
Why is this important? This is one of the major ways people make themselves the Scapegoat in their interactions. If you are constantly scapegoated wherever you go, it's important to recognize what you're doing to replicate this role if you want to get out of it. It not only wrecks a career, but makes interpersonal relationships very tricky.
See: The Scapegoat Role for more information.