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About this quote

What does it mean?
Bureaucratic systems persist even after they stop serving a useful purpose.
In plain terms
Rules stay in place long after they are needed.
What can you take from it?
Expect bureaucracy to outlive its usefulness.

Where it applies

  • government agencies
  • corporate policy
  • education systems

Putting it to work

  • challenge outdated rules
  • recognize inefficiency
  • push for reform

Questions to consider

  • What rule exists only to exist?
  • How do you fight red tape?

Another view

Not all bureaucratic stability is useless.

More from Dr. Laurence J. Peter

  1. In a hierarchy every employee tends to rise to his level of incompetence.

    Permalink to quote #1
  2. Television has changed the American child from an irresistible force into an immovable object.

    Permalink to quote #3
  3. When you see yourself quoted in print and you're sorry you said it, it suddenly becomes a misquotation.

    Permalink to quote #4

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