Derived from the phrase "Don't Rock the Boat" (DoRB), Dorbist is a term used (as either noun or adjective) to describe the tendency inherent in senior managers, or others with a stake in a system, to take no action to improve services, address problems or tackle problematic people/issues that are obvious to those working under them.
Someone exhibiting reluctance to act when faced with obvious problems or other negative consequences flowing from the poor/misguided/ill-informed decisions of their seniors.
Derived from Dorbism: a reluctance to act as an agent for positive change due to the perceived risk that such action will be viewed negatively by superiors, or those perceived as having 'power' or influence (including the press)
Someone exhibiting reluctance to act when faced with obvious problems or other negative consequences flowing from the poor/misguided/ill-informed decisions of their seniors.
Derived from Dorbism: a reluctance to act as an agent for positive change due to the perceived risk that such action will be viewed negatively by superiors, or those perceived as having 'power' or influence (including the press)
Despite the Government's recent cuts in funding for education, it is clear that most university Vice Chancellors are Dorbist from their relative silence on the matter.
The inherent Dorbism of my boss is clear from her complete passivity in the face of recent staff redundancies
The inherent Dorbism of my boss is clear from her complete passivity in the face of recent staff redundancies
by DesignThinking October 14, 2010