Peter Principle
In a hierarchy, people are promoted on performance in their current job until they reach one they are bad at — and then stay there.
Full definition of Peter Principle →:: COMPARE ::
Peter principlevsParkinson's law
The short answer
Both began as satire of bureaucracy and both survived contact with evidence. Parkinson explains why the organisation grows. Peter explains why it grows worse.
Side by side
| Aspect | Peter principle | Parkinson's law |
|---|---|---|
| Explains | Competence decline | Headcount growth |
| Published | 1969 | 1955 |
| Intended as | Satire | Satire |
| Empirically tested | Yes | Partly |
What each one means
Parkinson's Law
Work expands so as to fill the time available for its completion — paired with a second claim, that bureaucracies grow at a steady rate regardless of the work to be done.
Full definition of Parkinson's Law →