open-door policy

• open door policy

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," New York Times (retrieved 15 Jan 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," Seattle Post-Intelligencer (retrieved 15 Jan 2016):

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

   • 2008 Sept. 29, "Muslim man sues Tesco for being told to handle alcohol," Telegraph (UK) (retrieved 15 Jan 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," New York Times (retrieved 15 Jan 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 Feb. 6, Doug Struck, "Canada Thriving as New Leader Steps In," Washington Post (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.

   • 2012 Oct. 29, "Editorial: Protectionism is not the answer, Lord Heseltine," Independent (UK) (retrieved 15 Jan 2016):

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

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