Lawrence J. Peter

'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 avo