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Is the Peter Principle a Myth?

By R&D Editors | March 13, 2011

The Peter Principle holds that “in a hierarchy, every employee tends to rise to his level of incompetence.” Laurence Peters proposed the idea in his 1969 book, “The Peter Principle: Why Things Always Go Wrong” and it is still quoted and blamed in many management situations today. Is it true? And if so, why does it persist?

If, as the Peter Principle suggests, incompetence is at the root of every endeavor, how can you avoid being its victim by either being managed by someone who is over their head or becoming that manager?

This article by Kaitlin Madden of CareerBuilder suggests perhaps training can overcome the limits the Peter Principle presumes. Three experts share their thoughts on this prevalent management axiom.

Source: Career Builder

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