This book caused a storm when first published in 1969, battering up the bestseller list to #1, charming readers from Topeka to Timbuktu, and fi... read full description
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Mar 26, 2009
Wiranto
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Ini buku ke 2 yang merubah hidup saya. Buku ini saya baca atas rekomendasi teman saya Paul Gunadi pada waktu saya dapat assignment pekerjaan di Caltex, Rumbai, Pakanbaru dari tahun 1976 s/d 1980. Saya baca buku ini pinjam di Perpustakaan Caltex, Rumbai, Pekanbaru.
Buku ini adalah hasil survey yang dilakukan oleh Laurence J. Peter pada birokrasi yang ada di pemerintahan USA. Dari survey tersebut dia membuat theory yang terkenal dengan nama: The Peter Principle. Yang saya ingat dari mem More...
Buku ini adalah hasil survey yang dilakukan oleh Laurence J. Peter pada birokrasi yang ada di pemerintahan USA. Dari survey tersebut dia membuat theory yang terkenal dengan nama: The Peter Principle. Yang saya ingat dari mem More...
Jan 31, 2012
John
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This is an attempt at humour, largely superseded by later publications. After the first couple of chapters, it gets increasingly irritating with its neologisms, repetition and lack of content.
However, I enjoyed one or two bits, particularly this one, when talking about sideways promotions:-
"A case of levitation - The entire 82-man staff was moved away to another department leaving the director with nothing to do and nobody to supervise. Here we see the rare phenomenon o More...
However, I enjoyed one or two bits, particularly this one, when talking about sideways promotions:-
"A case of levitation - The entire 82-man staff was moved away to another department leaving the director with nothing to do and nobody to supervise. Here we see the rare phenomenon o More...
Mar 02, 2011
Jeff
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This was an excellent (and quick) read on the hierarchy of society, and how people rise to their level of incompetence. Despite being written more than 40 years ago, it is very relevant. The only irrelevant part is the direct relationship with Darwin, explaining about building good mass transit systems, rather than costly 'moonships' which provide no good to humanity. Those pesky moonships have done nothing for me... nothing! Ha!
I took meticulous notes on the topics covered in th More...
I took meticulous notes on the topics covered in th More...
Jul 22, 2010
Ellen
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The other day, out of nowhere, one of my sons asked me, “What’s the Peter Principle?” I scrambled together something about people tending to get promoted until they reach their level of incompetence. Then, of course, curiosity compelled me to find the book. And I did—quite a feat considering the number of books we own and the lack of any discernable organization. It was, as I remembered, a slim, black hardcover; it was also the 1969 edition, the year it was first published. Even if t More...
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Jun 12, 2009
Justin
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When Dr. Laurence Peter was born in Vancouver, Canada during the year of 1919, the world was not prepared for his revolutionary doctrine. Today we suffer the consequences because few have heeded his warning, we all think we are the exception to his principle. I’m not talking about a prophet or spiritualist, I’m talking about one of the most brilliant analysts of modern society.
With this simple phrase on p.15 of my edition of The Peter Principle he explained nearly every problem the h More...
With this simple phrase on p.15 of my edition of The Peter Principle he explained nearly every problem the h More...
Jan 29, 2009
Rhonda
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I remember reading this book my first year in a corporation, given to me as a Christmas present. I was horrified by what I was seeing after having been in college: everyone seemed to have the wrong job, but the higher up you went, the more each of them wanted you to be conscious that he or she, at least, were above you.
I don't rate the book any higher for two reasons. First, despite it being reasonably accurate, it made me even more depressed to understand how the "good-old-boy" More...
I don't rate the book any higher for two reasons. First, despite it being reasonably accurate, it made me even more depressed to understand how the "good-old-boy" More...
Mar 29, 2010
Lawrence
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Inherited this book from my dad, that he first purchased and read in the early-to-mid 1970's, I think during that period's tough economy. After holding onto it for years, started reading it myself around 2003 or so, after getting laid-off from a high-paying robotics industry dream-job. :) However, I feel Fitzgerald was wrong about there not being "Second Chances in American Life". Or at least that's what I tell myself in 2010. Now that I'm a dad myself, I am indeed the Eternal Optimist
Nov 07, 2009
Kelly
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I read this book in the mid 1980's for a college course. Just read it again for book club. The book was written in 1969, but it's still accurate today. If you want to learn why so many incompetent people are in high level positions in jobs and if you want to laugh as well then read this book. It is dated with some sexist comments (and one homosexual comment that bothered me), but the book is worth reading. You'll be comparing the descriptions to people you know at work. And, you'll wonder where
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Jul 22, 2009
Tori
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I found this book both edifying and horribly depressing. I can't refute Peter's conclusions, which means that, unless we employ some creative stupidity to prevent rising above our means, we will all eventually be found completely incompetent at something that matters. As for the book itself, Peter has the same rabid tendency of Thomas Friedman (who has probably read this book) to label absolutely every fricking concept with a new, cutesy turn of phrase. But at least Friedman doesn't name everyt
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Dec 05, 2010
Bryan457
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An exploration of the theory that:
"In a hierarchy, every employee tends to rise to his level of incompetence."
So, if you do a good job, you get promoted--until you no longer do a good job. Now, at your level of incompetence, you are no longer promoted, nor are you demoted to the level where you were doing a good job. So there you stay, incompetent forever.
A delightfully cynical read.
"In a hierarchy, every employee tends to rise to his level of incompetence."
So, if you do a good job, you get promoted--until you no longer do a good job. Now, at your level of incompetence, you are no longer promoted, nor are you demoted to the level where you were doing a good job. So there you stay, incompetent forever.
A delightfully cynical read.
Jan 18, 2010
Bruce
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An intriguing study of the hierarchic structures in our society. Laurence J. Peter believes that, through promotion, everyone will eventually rise to their level of incompetence. He proposes the problem, his solution and, surprisingly, it makes complete sense.
If you're wanting a different, entertaining read, give The Peter Principle a try.
If you're wanting a different, entertaining read, give The Peter Principle a try.
Aug 05, 2009
Mark
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This book is written in a dry satirical style that is lightly humorous. However I wonder why the author felt compelled to write a whole book on the fictional subject of Hierarchology. By the time you get to the 3rd or 4th chapter on the applications of the lateral arabesque or percussive sublimation you wonder why he is still carrying on about it.
Jun 05, 2009
Horatio
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Much like the Principia Discordia skirts the line between a joke disguised as a religion and a religion disguised as a joke, The Peter Principle skirts the line between a work of satire disguised as a business book and a business book disguised as a work of satire. Dr. Peter's Principle is quite simply that, "In a hierarchy, every employee tends to rise to his level of incompetence." Read this book and understand why everyone you work with is a damned moron.
Sep 25, 2010
Kurt
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Meh... I definitely preferred 'First, Break All the Rules' to this. 'The Peter Principle,' while sometimes entertaining was a little too absolutist and pessimistic for me. It is, however, a quick read at under 170 pages (and, in all neutrality, the last two or three chapters should be skipped).
Aug 21, 2011
Linda
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Anyone that's working in a "typical" workplace and organization should appreciate this book. I challenge you to read this book and NOT think of someone you know. It is in kind of a weird tone, though, because most of the time it seems saturated in sarcasm and humor but at the same time you can find so much truth. And since it was written in "a different time" it is a bit less politically correct than a book written today would probably be.
Apr 16, 2009
Rob
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AN extremely enlightening, extremely depressing book. Once you read it, it's all too easy to see it at work in every facet of western society, including the financial crisis of 2008-9.
Every person in getting a management or administration degree ought to be required to read this.
Every person in getting a management or administration degree ought to be required to read this.
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Oct 12, 2009
Jessica
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I had an epiphany about work and workplace hierarchies after this read... all people who don't work for themselves should read it. It may be a satire (not quite sure, but it reads that way) but I don't care. It hits the nail on the head.
Feb 21, 2011
James
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Although outdated with a lot of examples, the basic premise still rings true, people are promoted at least one step beyond their competency. Anyone who works in a white collar environment will appreciate this book!
Feb 10, 2010
Orbicles
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"In a Hierarchy Every Employee Tends to Rise to His Level of Incompetence."
So true! After reading this, I am seeing it referenced everywhere. I can't believe it took me this long to hear about it. Thanks Rich.
So true! After reading this, I am seeing it referenced everywhere. I can't believe it took me this long to hear about it. Thanks Rich.
Jun 08, 2009
Pete
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A very interesting view of corporate hierarchy and the method of climbing the corporate ladder. While I wouldn't say it's a must-read it definitely offers some insight into why some people have the jobs they do.
Dec 26, 2011
Carl
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I have to admit this is a really strange book. I'm going to start over and read it again, because I think there are some bizarre but important ideas in it that I was not grasping the first time around.
Nov 10, 2009
Helen
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An interesting premise- "in a hierarchy every employee tends to rise to his level of incompetence-" that could have been explained in a few pages. The book and the jokes get tired and redundant.
Aug 06, 2010
Sarah
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Funny and informative. The authors argue that our employment structure makes it so that everyone will rise to his or her own level of incompetence and get stuck there.
Aug 30, 2010
Melinda
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Most of the examples are sexist and homophobic, but if you can get past that you'll likely see how this applies to your job.
Mar 09, 2011
Asails
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One of the best explanations given about the way people make their way through organisations.
Mar 28, 2011
Saugat
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Relevant theory on Hierarchiology but most of the book talks about the same thing by giving varied examples.
Aug 17, 2009
daniel
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This is a great business satire with actual advice on how to make the most of your work hierarchy. Funny + provocative is always a good combination.
May 26, 2011
Asoka
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Humorously written, it is a highly readable book. Suitable for all kinds of readers.
