In the first chapter of the book, after a few examples of his principle in action, Laurence Peter proposes his Peter principle: "In a hierarchy every employee tends to rise to his level of incompetence." He proceeds to take the reader on a journey through the nascent field of "hierarchiology," defining the necessary terms as he goes along. He provides superb insight into why the hierarchies and bureacracies of the world are so inefficient and are becoming increasingly so, why successful people are often unhappy in their jobs and why the most talented people often proceed through their careers without material reward. Peter's observations are funny, but alarmingly true. An excellent resource for the armchair sociologist - highly recommended.

It is true: this books is quite humorous and intriguing.
The first time I read it I was fascinated by the whole idea. I was able to relate this to many other ideas used in problem solving and critical thinking. However, upon a second reading I started to see some inconsistencies, and a couple of things started to annoy me.

However, the book is great in that it gives great cohesion and logic to the justification and mechanisms of incompetence in the world. His ideas are very engaging and, in more than a way, sadly funny at the same time.

As is my experience, this book should be read at least twice.
For the thorough reader, three times is recommended. Why?
Because the ideas are very appealing at first, but on a second pass you will start to notice certain inconsistent ideas.

Very worth reading, and if you should read it just once, it is more than worth the try.

I think that most people will view this book with an apprehensive nature. Why? Simply because almost all readers know the basic theme of this work: that people in the business world, not matter what field or area, rise naturally to their own level of incompetence.
I think most would consider their jobs quite productive, especially if they are working in their chosen fields. I cannot imagine that many people work their ways up the chain of command simply to be less productive. (And according to Dr. Peter, denial is one of the symptoms!)
I really enjoyed the book, which is full of humor and irony, but I worry that readers will either not take it seriously or either go to the other extreme and consider the principle to be an all-inclusive unavoidable trap. It does not help that Dr. Peter in his quirky way, offers no real solution to the dilemma.
So I suggest that readers give much thought to the evidence that the book presents (each example does after all make quite a lot of sense). It had me identifying related cases in the jobs I've had.
Finally, The Peter Principle is an easy read, divided by chapters and subdivided by categories with several examples. Quick readers should able to read it thoroughly in around two days, especially if the sarcastic wit holds them.

I read this book in the '70s when it first came out. It says it all!!! NEVER, did I know, how many times I would see this principle be exhibited; from the supreme court justices to the lowliest worker. It's so frightening it me nauseas. This small book is absolutely the most important book ever written.If all people could learn from "the peter principle" and "the road less travelled" and put the knowledge to practice, we would be a 100% different world than we are today. By all intensive purposes, I am a well read person, however, these two texts, make all things learned, viewed with a greater awareness.

I read this book with great enthusiasm, having heard so much about it. And sure enough, the first few chapters were great. But the ending was kind of a letdown. I feel that Dr. Peter built up my expectations and then failed to deliver what I really needed: how to avoid the P.P.