Final answer:
Robert Merton's term for the excessive preoccupation with rules and regulations that impedes organizational goals is Ritualism.
Step-by-step explanation:
The term coined by sociologist Robert Merton for a preoccupation with rules and regulations to the point of keeping an organization from accomplishing its goals is Ritualism. Ritualism describes a situation within a bureaucracy when there is a steadfast focus on procedures and regulations at the expense of the organization's actual objectives. This concept is part of Merton's larger framework of social strain theory, which also includes terms like conformity, innovation, retreatism, and rebellion, as adaptive responses individuals exhibit when they cannot achieve culturally prescribed goals through legitimate means. Ritualism refers to when individuals or organizations become overly focused on following procedures and adhering to rules, losing sight of the original goals and objectives. This can result in inefficiency and stagnation within the organization.