Gatekeeper Capture

Those meant to enable flow begin controlling it for their own advantage.

What it looks like

• Bottlenecks become power centers
• Access is granted by relationship, not criteria
• Rules are selectively enforced
• Work slows unless you “know the right person”

Failure mechanism

A gatekeeping function lacks transparency, rotation, and independent oversight—so control of access becomes control of outcomes.

Minimum viable controls

Verification

• Publish criteria for approvals/access
• Track approvals/denials and cycle times
• Audit for bias, favoritism, or rent-seeking patterns

Counterweights

• Separation of request intake and final decision
• Appeals pathway with independent reviewers
• Rotation of gatekeeper roles

Correction Loops

• Regular gatekeeper audits
• “Queue health” monitoring
• Incident reporting for retaliation or favoritism

Proof you’re controlling it

• Decisions are explainable and consistent
• Appeals exist and sometimes overturn decisions
• Role rotation occurs and is enforced

Where it shows up

Strong at Institutional + Organizational depths; often drives Dependency Trap.

Related patterns

Dependency Trap • Bad News Suppression • Authority Without Friction