Parkinson’s Law And The Peter Principle

    As a manager for a fine retail establishment I often use Sociology without even knowing it.  Actually many managers and successful businesses use Sociology to not only establish standards but to often put people into a position where they will most likely succeed.  They actually have a name for this!  It is called Scientific Management.  It is the application of scientific principles to the operation of a business or large organization.  Two such applications I use on a regular basis are Parkinson’s Law and the Peter Principle.

  Parkinson’s Law is basically defined as the job takes as much time as the job is allowed.  This is proven daily by mostly all managers and employees.  When I try to teach new managers this concept they sometimes do not understand it.  If an employee is given 2 hours to do their tasks they will take 2 hours to accomplish it.  If you tell an employee they have 1 hour to accomplish this task they will work more efficiently and faster to accomplish this or come damn close.  It’s a proven fact!  Take for example a student that needs to accomplish an essay.  The teacher gives them 3 weeks to do their assignment but the student does it the night before it is due.  Most of the time they will actually do a great job also.  Why do people do this?  Is it laziness, boredom, procrastination or is it Parkinson’s Law?  If your a manager try to set deadlines to make sure your employee does the job more efficient.  To your surprise they will.  Some companies actually predetermine the time each task and employee is given to accomplish a particular task.  This is one way a company can control this law.  It is amazing the results you will be given when you control Parkinson’s Law.

  The Peter Principle is the rising of ones competence.  Challenging that person will ultimately result in this principle.  People are capable of creating results that they can only achieve with the knowledge and ability they have.  Employers regularly train their employees giving them opportunities to achieve a greater result.  When companies put effort, time and money into teaching their employees they should expect better results from their performance.  That is when Parkinson’s Law comes into effect.  Results may vary but giving goals and setting standards for employees to achieve will promote growth not only for the individual but ultimately for the company.