Ooh, this is the original statement of Parkinson's Law by C. Northcote Parkinson himself. It was later published as the first chapter of a book with other legendary humorous essays on management, including the one about the bicycle shed that led to the term "bikeshedding".
Later, "Dr. Lawrence J. Peter" (of "The Peter Principle") followed in Parkinson's footsteps. Nowadays the mantle is held by Scott Adams, of course.
Completists may wish to also hunt down Mrs. Parkinson's Law and In-Laws and Outlaws. I also advise keeping a second copy of Parkinson's Law, to loan out ;-)
Later, "Dr. Lawrence J. Peter" (of "The Peter Principle") followed in Parkinson's footsteps. Nowadays the mantle is held by Scott Adams, of course.