Peter Principle

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What is the Peter Principle? Meaning.

The Peter Principle states that "in a hierarchy every employee tends to rise to his level of incompetence".

The cynical, humorous theory originated by Dr. Laurence J. Peter and Raymond Hull states that successful members of a hierarchical organization are eventually promoted to their highest level of competence, after which further promotion raises them to a level just beyond their highest level of competence.

The employee's incompetence is not necessarily caused only as a result of the higher-ranking position being "more difficult". Additionally it may be that the position is different from the position in which the employee previously excelled, and requires different skills, which the employee may not possess.

As a consequence, every post in any hierarchical organization tends to be occupied by an employee who is incompetent to carry out his duties.

Forum - Peter Principle   Discussions about Peter Principle. What is the Dilbert Principle? As a later, satirical response to the so called “Peter Principle”, the “Dilbert Principle” evolved. What is the exact m (...)           Peter Principle is partly true To some extent the theory is true but not 100%. There are at least 5% of people who never find a higher position suitab (...)

Compare also: Hierarchy of Needs  |  Stretch Goals  |  Parkinson's Law  |  Organization Chart

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