open-door policy

English

Alternative forms

• open door policy

Pronunciation

• Audio (General Australian):

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Noun

open-door policy (plural open-door policies)

1. (idiomatic, management, politics) A policy or usual practice, by a person in authority, of permitting subordinates or constituents to visit his or her office unannounced and at any reasonable time for the purpose of discussing matters of concern.
   • 1986 August 24, Edwin McDowell, “What's New on the Corporate Bookshelf”, in New York Times, retrieved 15 January 2016:

     Take Continental Airlines's Robert F. Six's view of much touted open-door policies: “‘My door is always open—bring me your problems.’ This is guaranteed to turn on every whiner, lackey and neurotic on the property.”

   • 2001 June 13, Rebekah Denn, “Seahawks Academy gives students a sporting chance”, in Seattle Post-Intelligencer, retrieved 15 January 2016:

     She's a warm but no-nonsense administrator who has an open-door policy for all students.

   • 2008, BioWare, Mass Effect (Science Fiction), Redwood City: Electronic Arts, →ISBN, →OCLC, PC, scene: Normandy SR-1:

     Ashley: Commander. You have a minute to talk?
     Shepard: I keep an open-door policy. If you have any concerns, lay them on me.

   • 2008 September 29, “Muslim man sues Tesco for being told to handle alcohol”, in Telegraph, UK, retrieved 15 January 2016:

     "[M]anagers are trained to be culturally sensitive and have an open door policy to staff for issues like this.

2. (idiomatic, politics) A governmental policy of encouraging immigration or of permitting increased access by foreigners for purposes of tourism, trade, investment, etc.
   • 1984 June 18, Bill Keller, “Llama Owners' Lobby is Set to Fight Imports”, in New York Times, retrieved 15 January 2016:

     They also have tried to enlist support from the National Cattlemen's Association, on grounds this open-door policy could lead to easier entry for foreign beef.

   • 2006 February 6, Doug Struck, “Canada Thriving as New Leader Steps In”, in Washington Post, retrieved 15 January 2016:

     Philosopher John Ralston Saul calls Canada "on the cutting edge, the most experimental country in the world on immigration and citizenship" for its open-door policy on immigration.

   • 2012 October 29, “Editorial: Protectionism is not the answer, Lord Heseltine”, in Independent, UK, retrieved 15 January 2016:

     Britain's open-door policy on foreign takeovers is a net gain for the economy.

Further reading

• “open-door policy”, in OneLook Dictionary Search.