Apologizing Unnecessarily
This is something that is, I think, indirectly associated with oppression and intimidation or bullying and is a common Asperger trait which contributes towards sending the signal to other people/workers that a person with AS may be susceptible to bullying.
It relates to apologizing unnecessarily; often when being criticised or as a result of a feeling of being to blame when, in fact, when it is totally unfounded.
Often this is due to a self-perception of being a contributor to friction as a consequence of shortcomings in inter-personal skills or communications.
One of my previous bosses once said to me when we were dealing with a major problem with a third-party (which was my responsibility and resulted from an - honest - error I had made), "don't be too apologetic about things!"
Because it was a serious mistake, my inherent sense of honesty that emanated from my AS dictated to me that I should assume full responsibility. That was right and honourable of course, but not necessarily the right option in resolving the dispute from the perspective of securing the best outcome for my company.
I have demonstrated similar responses when other people have unfairly criticised or attacked me: trying to be too amenable when, what I should have done, is stood my ground, not conceded and stayed true to the issue.
This takes courage I think from an Asperger perspective by not allowing any self-perception of AS having made a negative contribution.
It is, however, hugely important and something that I am determined to practice irrespective of how uncomfortable it makes me feel.
Being Apologetic
If I think about it I tend to fall into this field. Whenever I feel that I'm doing something wrong whether it be something extremely minor or even major I will apologize. Even outside of the workplace I get like this. I guess over the years I became a bit over apologetic because I'm always concerned about the reaction that someone else might have towards me and how I would be able to handle that. In most cases I don't like conflict or getting into trouble due to mistakes on my part. I notice it's hard to really know how someone would react to a error or a mistake (even something very minor). Some people tend to be senstive and some don't care and some don't react that harshly. Also, I try to put myself in the other person's shoes when I make a error. How would I feel if I was that person and most of the time I figure I would not like being in that person's shoes.
There are times when I think I'm doing something wrong and I apologize and people look at me like I'm crazy. Some (in instances like this) state you did nothing wrong, why are you apologizing? This might not be related to the topic but I'm mention anyway, there are times when I do something wrong and don't realize it and as a result I don't apologize.
I'm glad this topic was brought up. It's good one. I hope everyone understands my viewpoints because I tend to be all over the place with a topic like this.
Unenforced Apologies
I think that your reply has hit the nail on the head as to why this is such an issue for people with AS and why, in particular, it can be so damaging and detrimental in a work context.
The key issue is apologizing when you have made a mistake and accepting responsbility, but refraining from doing so when you have, in effect, done nothing wrong. Doing so in the latter instance reinforces the perception in others that you are vulnerable and susceptible to criticism and, therefore, reinforces the oppressive/victim targeting process!
I think the problem stems from two aspects of the Asperger personality continuum. Firstly, the need or want to be liked - we are different so there is something "wrong" with us which makes us feel uncomfortable - which means we shy away from confrontation in order to avoid the wrath of othesr. In a work context this can be especially damaging.
I experienced a particularly unpleasant incident with a person who was my main protagonist in a past, important and special position. Though I did breach the matter with him later, I did not do so sufficiently assertively or force through the issue to its required solution by confronting the underlying problem - his dislike of me: I started the conversation with "I'm sorry for...." when, though I wanted to be conciliatory and needed to a degree to be so, I had not actually done anything wrong. My starting off with an apology I ceded ground and commenced the interaction from a position of weakness.
Secondly, we are inevitably to blame because - being different - our AS must in some way contribute to the problem. I have come to increasingly realise and appreciate that this is not only usually wrong but that it is vitally important NOT to accept this feeling internally when unwarranted under any circumstances. Doing so contributes to the first problem: wanting to be liked at all costs. Its less of having to put yourself in someone else's shoes, more one of standing your ground and up for what is perosnally right.
The most important thing in these instances I have found, is to fight totally the feeling of uncomfortableness and the sense of guilt which is inevitably felt when you confront - and possibly - upset someone. Its has to at times be done and the feeling is usually temporary. If the other party is to blame, or is at least a contributory factor - which I have found is usually the case - then the feeling soon passes and I accrue a sense of achievement and personal power and confidence. For a manager or someone working in a position of authority and/or responsibility it is the way to preserve gravitas and influence. Fighting the Asperger tendency to assume blame where unmerited totally undermines this!
Of equal importance as you point out - and I previously mentioned - of course is apologizing it is not justified as this really does send a damaging message - and precedent. Developing the skill to recognise when this is occurring is a vital personal development requirement.