red tape
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red tape
rules which stipulate in great detail how the members of an organization should carry out their duties, and which are seen to inhibit flexibility and detract from effectiveness. See BUREAUCRACY, GOAL DISPLACEMENT.Collins Dictionary of Business, 3rd ed. © 2002, 2005 C Pass, B Lowes, A Pendleton, L Chadwick, D O’Reilly and M Afferson