This proverb means that if too many people are involved in doing something, it will not be done well
. (Cf. Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary)
I also found those idiomatic phrases on online dictionary:
too many chiefs and not enough Indians Japanese proverb describes this situation as too many boatmen make their boat climb a mountain
. (See Jan. 7, 2010)
This proverb came up in my mind when I heard the news about resignation of the Prime Minister and the chief secretary of the current ruling party. In Japan, Prime Minister is not chosen by election by people. And last summer, a change of government was desired -and took place. Even overlooking that, with so many Prime Ministers replaced in such short time, where is this country going...!? (See also Apr. 16, 2010 and May 12, 2010)