Peter Principle

American  

noun

1. any of several satirical “laws” concerning organizational structure, especially one that holds that people tend to be promoted until they reach their level of incompetence.

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Peter Principle British  

noun

1. the theory, usually taken facetiously, that all members in a hierarchy rise to their own level of incompetence

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Peter Principle Cultural  

1. A rule of organizations that states, “In a hierarchy, every employee tends to rise to his level of incompetence.” Formulated by Laurence J. Peter, this rule is supposed to explain occupational incompetence.

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Etymology

Origin of Peter Principle

From of a book of the same name (1969) by Laurence J. Peter (1919–90), Canadian educator

Example Sentences

The Peter Principle is: “In a hierarchy, every employee tends to rise to his level of incompetence.”

From Washington Post • Oct. 26, 2022

Lane Kiffin is the poster child for the Peter Principle, continually failing upward to his highest level of incompetence.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 13, 2019

There are shades of a footballing version of the Peter Principle.

From The Guardian • Apr. 16, 2018

Considering the track record of the two of them-failed mergers, inability to control press coverage of their relationship, failed business opportunities-I think Mary and Bill are more representative of "The Peter Principle."

From New York Times • Feb. 10, 2018

One has to wonder, is this not akin to the Peter Principle, in which you will continue to be promoted until you rise to the level of your own incompetence?

From The Verge • May 10, 2016