open-door policy

Noun

open-door policy (plural open-door policies)

1. (idiomatic) 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.
   • 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
   • 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
2. (idiomatic) A governmental policy of encouraging immigration or of permitting increased access by foreigners for purposes of tourism, trade, investment, etc.
   • 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