Wikipedia:Tiptibism

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WP:TPTB

Tiptibism (derived from The Powers That Be) is a belief that if an individual has the power to make a decision, consequently that individual ought to make that decision.

One of the earliest examples is Henry VIII who, considering whether or not to sign Anne Boleyn's death warrant, decided that since God gave him the ability to sign the warrant, God therefore desired him to sign it.

Bureaucracies often exhibit this phenomenon, whether governmental, commercial, or even non-profit. Ticket-sellers will close their windows – even when you are in line. Motor vehicle department clerks will tell you to fill out another form – and, by the way, to go to the back of the line. Dilbert frequently satirizes the phenomenon.

Wikipedia, being part of a hierarchical organization, is not immune to the phenomenon.

See also