Scott Adams

Scott Adams, formerly a mid-level manager assigned to cubicle 4S700R at the Pacific Bell headquarters, wrote The Dilbert Principle in 1997. Adams was a Pacific Bell cubicle dweller for nine years until he was "downsized" when his department came under new management. The book points out a humorous but very logical argument against the illogical management practices of most companies. Scott Adams puts things in perspective, by acknowledging the truth. Unlike other business books, Adams actually illustrates the truth by giving examples through comic strips within the book. Even though most of his examples are somewhat fictitious, his research (mostly through letters and e-mail messages from his readers) and highly subjective first-hand reports of his own experiences in "the cubicle" provide Adams with overwhelming proof that the "Peter Principle" has been replaced by the "Dilbert Principle".

The "Peter Principle" means that competent workers are promoted until they reached their level of incompetence. Whereas The "Dilbert Principle" means the most ineffective workers are systematically moved to the place where they can do the least damage, which happens to be management. That's the essence and message of The Dilbert Principle. The book exposes the day-to-day doings at the workplace and reveals the symbolic meaning of different physical objects at the workplace. For example, Adams explains why a secretary's chair never has arm rests, and how a necktie equals a leash, or how panty hose equal leg irons, and high heels are the undeniable mark of a masochist.

Dilbert is a cartoon hero who takes on corporate America's evil bosses and bizarre management trends. He is a composite of Scott Adams' co-workers over the years. Dilbert is an engineer, about thirty years old, and works at an undisclosed high-tech company in Northern California. Dilbert is very intelligent and kind-hearted.