Which principle states that individuals within a hierarchy tend to rise to their level of incompetence?

The principle that states individuals within a hierarchy tend to rise to their level of incompetence is known as the Peter Principle. This concept was introduced by Dr. Laurence J. Peter and highlights a common phenomenon in organizational settings, where employees are promoted based on their performance in their current role rather than their ability to perform in the new role. As a result, they eventually reach a position where they are not competent, because the skills and abilities required for higher levels of responsibility may differ significantly from their previous roles.

This principle offers insights into workplace dynamics and can often explain inefficiencies and organizational challenges, as individuals may be placed in positions that do not align with their strengths. Understanding the Peter Principle can therefore help organizations structure their promotion processes more thoughtfully, ensuring that they account for the necessary skills at various levels of responsibility.