Which is better:an open door approach between management and staff, or one that has paper procedures?

Respected Ghina,  Open door policy is recommended and employee feels empowerment.

An open door policy where employees can approach their superior  unhindered  is always the better approach.

In modern offices  even top managers have cubicles and not closed  rooms. They shake hands with employees when they come to office. An office /organization of the old type which has paper procedure , the voice of the subordinates may not reach the top management at all. It is this type of situation that lead to employee dissatisfaction and trade unionism. And could also lead to strikes and lockouts.

Open Door policy with a fairly un biased procedure designed to handle all issues. Which fits for all range of staff members