I think it's overly simplistic to frame the issue as one of manager-vs-managed. Everybody is distracted by whatever messages come their way, whether orders from above or reports from below (not to mention self-imposed distractions like social media).

True, management often foists tools on their underlings without a good understanding of the disadvantages of those tools. But that's a somewhat different (albeit related) issue from that of time management. Even with the best tools, time management can still be a problem if you're being inundated with tasks faster than you can complete them.

In my experience, where things go most sideways isn't forced use of clunky tools but rather poor prioritization skills amplified by poor articulation skills. In other words, the worst offenders are people who are bad a prioritizing, and bad at verbalizing what they're having trouble with so they can get help. Of course, poor management on top of that will practically guarantee massive failure. But without employees (at any level) who have insight into their situation, and can communicate well, you're dead in the water before you've even started.