You get micromanagement a little everywhere unfortunately. You just have to roll the with the punches, or if you get good enough at spotting it, pre-empt the management requests by having the work done in such a way that you’re not disturbed – unfortunately this doesn’t always stop them from feeling obliged to tell you how to do things and what to do.
I enjoy the atmosphere and relaxed nature of a smaller more "family" oriented company, it's more relaxed and you get to make a bigger difference.
However, conversely, I also enjoy the corporate world in terms of development (both personal and professional) and the skills you're able to learn as a result of your immersion in that corporate lifestyle. It's not always good, and it depends on your mantle and how independent and confident you are as to how you react or cope with that sort of environment.
I have worked in very poisonous and soul destroying/draining heavily bureaucratic corporate environments which are stifling and you feel very much as a tiny cog in a big wheel. It does depend on your position, I think in a SME you’re less likely to end up in that sort of atmosphere.
A bank I can imagine has a lot of egos running around – whereas project management/consultancy practices are more collaborative (from experience). I can pretend to be part of the “gang” and muck in when I have to and socialise and behave the way others do, but without losing my sense of identity, or I just stand apart – it just depends on the situation and what I’m trying to achieve.
However, micromanagement is frustrating – which is probably what you’re experiencing.
