open-door policy

plural open-door policies · alternative open door policy

1. idiomaticgovernmentA 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.

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

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

   3 more examples

   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.”

   1986 August 24, Edwin McDowell, “What's New on the Corporate Bookshelf”, in New York Times, retrieved 15 Jan 2016

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

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

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

2. idiomaticgovernmentA governmental policy of encouraging immigration or of permitting increased access by foreigners for purposes of tourism, trade, investment, etc.

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

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

   2 more examples

   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.

   1984 June 18, Bill Keller, “Llama Owners' Lobby is Set to Fight Imports”, in New York Times, retrieved 15 Jan 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.

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