The Peter Principle: Why Things Always Go Wrong: As Featured on Radio 4

(Paperback, Main)

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Description

In a hierarchy, every employee rises to the level of their own incompetence.

This simple maxim, defined by this classic book over 40 years ago, has become a beacon of truth in the world of work. From the civil service to multinational companies to hospital management, it explains why things constantly go wrong: promotion up a hierarchy inevitably leads to over-promotion and incompetence. Through barbed anecdotes and wry humour the authors define the problem and show how anyone, whether at the top or bottom of the career ladder, can avoid its pitfalls. Or, indeed, avoid promotion entirely!

Reviews

The Peter Principle has cosmic implications. * New York Times *
The Peter Principle is as relevant now as ever. * Guardian *
Ruefully delightful ... excruciatingly applicable - and fun to read * Playboy *
Suddenly the modern world is intelligible, if no more tolerable ... This book will be read by millions wanting to diagnose what is wrong with their colleagues; and even by some wondering what is wrong with themselves. * Sunday Telegraph *
[The Peter Principle] has struck a throbbing public nerve... a minor cultural phenomenon and its title phrase, like Parkinson's Law, is certain to enter the language. * Life magazine *

Author Bio

Laurence J. Peter was born in Canada and received an EdD from Washington State University. An experienced teacher, counselor, school psychologist, prison instructor, consultant and university professor, he wrote articles for many journals as well as several books. He died in 1990. Raymond Hull wrote many stage plays as well as articles for Punch, Maclean's and Esquire. He died in 1985.