Ebbie,

"I must say that I don't understand why men are *still* wearing neckties"

It is quite simple. To be properly dressed when in Management requires the wearing of a necktie, in order to cut off the oxygen flow to the brain. Just look at the decisions that management usually comes up with. Please not that the non-managment individuals do NOT wear them, and thus accomplish productive labor, within the bounds of the management directives.