Red tape refers to excessive regulations, rules and administrative processes. The term extends from the practice of various European nations of sealing official documents with red tape in the 16th to 18th centuries. The following are common examples of red tape.
Complexity
Forms, processes and procedures that are needlessly complex. For example, a tax system with a large number of exemptions, exceptions and other complexities.
The use of administrative procedures as a means of political control. For example, an organization where competing executives can impede each other by not approving things or by not processing administrative requests in a timely manner.
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