The Open Door Policy refers to a diplomatic policy established by the United States in the late 19th and early 20th century that called for a system of equal trade and investment and to guarantee the territorial integrity of Qing China. The policy aimed to secure international agreement to the U.S. policy of promoting equal opportunity for international trade and commerce in China, and respect for China’s administrative and territorial integrity. The Open Door Policy was received with almost universal approval in the United States, and for more than 40 years, it was a cornerstone of American foreign policy in East Asia. However, critics pointed out that the policy had little practical effect. The Open Door Policy was not formally adopted via treaty or international law, and it collapsed in 1931 when the Japanese seized and kept Manchuria, despite international disapproval.

It is important to note that the term "Open Door" also describes the economic policy initiated by Deng Xiaoping in 1978 to open China to foreign businesses that wanted to invest in the country. The policy set into motion the economic transformation of China.

In addition to the diplomatic policy, there is also an open-door policy in the workplace. This policy is a set workplace rule that encourages employees to discuss any job-related ideas or issues with their immediate supervisors or any senior-level managers that they feel comfortable discussing these topics with. The purpose of this policy is to foster better communication across the company, help employees speak their minds about workplace issues as soon as possible, and help employees feel more supported and valued by management, which boosts morale and ultimately productivity. To make the open-door policy official, it should be added to the company handbook, so employees are able to review the policy at any time.

In summary, the Open Door Policy refers to a diplomatic policy established by the United States in the late 19th and early 20th century that called for a system of equal trade and investment and to guarantee the territorial integrity of Qing China. There is also an open-door policy in the workplace that encourages employees to discuss any job-related ideas or issues with their immediate supervisors or any senior-level managers that they feel comfortable discussing these topics with.