The Peter Principle: Why Things Always Go Wrong: As Featured on Radio 4 Paperbac
'The Peter Principle has cosmic implications.' - New York Times
'The classic book which warns of the dangers of over-promotion' The Times
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!
Review
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
Book Description
'The classic book which warned of the dangers of over-promotion' The Times
About the Author
Raymond Hull (1919-1985) was a Canadian playwright, television screenwriter, and lecturer. He also wrote many non-fiction books, numerous magazine articles, short stories, and poetry. He is best known as the co-author of the book The Peter Principle with Laurence J. Peter. He is also known for the saying 'He who trims himself to suit everyone will soon whittle himself away.'
He studied creative writing at the University of British Columbia at the age 30 after discovering he had an aptitude for the craft. After graduation, he eventually began writing television screenplays for the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation. He later branched into writing for the stage and in time formed The Gastown Players.
Laurence Johnston Peter (September 16, 1919 - January 12, 1990) was a Canadian educator and 'hierarchiologist' best known to the general public for the formulation of the Peter principle.