What term refers to the overzealous adherence to rules and regulations within a bureaucracy?

The term that refers to the overzealous adherence to rules and regulations within a bureaucracy is red tape. This term specifically highlights the excessive or rigid application of rules, which can lead to inefficiencies and frustration when bureaucrats become overly focused on following procedures to the letter, rather than achieving the intended goals or purposes of those procedures.

Red tape can create obstacles for individuals seeking services, as the sheer volume of rules can slow down processes and complicate interactions with bureaucratic organizations. It is often depicted in a negative light, suggesting that the inflexibility of adherence to rules hinders progress and adaptability.

Goal displacement, while related to bureaucratic organizations, refers to a shift in the objectives of an organization over time, where the original goals are lost or replaced by new ones that may not align with the organization's initial purpose. Compliance overload and regulatory excess denote similar ideas, but they are less widely recognized and do not specifically capture the concept of bureaucratic rigidity as directly as red tape does.