Laurence J. Peter

Laurence J. Peter (1919–1990) was a Canadian educator and writer best known for formulating the “Peter Principle,” the idea that people in hierarchical organizations tend to be promoted until they reach a level of incompetence. He co-authored *The Peter Principle* (1969), which popularized the concept and became widely read for its satirical take on management and bureaucracy. Peter’s work drew on his experience in education and his observations of how institutions function in practice. Through clear, accessible writing, he helped introduce a lasting phrase into discussions of leadership, promotion, and workplace effectiveness.