merit system
Ability determines advancement
A merit system is a method of hiring and promoting employees based on ability and performance rather than political connections, personal relationships, or patronage.
The term arose in contrast to the spoils system, where government jobs were awarded to supporters of the winning party.
Civil service reforms established a merit system for federal employment.
- qualificationsProof of competence
- civil service examsAssessments for government positions
- competitive examsTests ranking candidates for selection
- meritocracyAdvancement through demonstrated ability
- equal opportunityUnbiased chance for all
fairness · promotions · impartiality · performance metrics · Pendleton · hiring processes · fair hiring · government jobs · justice · federal workforce · academic excellence · public trust · performance reviews · reward systems · standardized testing · scholarships · job applications · hiring
- systemsecosystems, ecosystem, biological systems, transportation network, communication systems
- school rulesschool rules, dress code, code of conduct, bullying, cheating
- selectionchoosing, picking, selection committee, shortlist, shortlisting
- HRhiring, human resources, recruiting, HR, onboarding
- Imperial ChinaHan dynasty, emperor, dynasties, emperors, Three Kingdoms
- civil servicecivil servants, bureaucrat, civil servant, administrator, clerk
merit systempatronage system
Awarding posts for loyalty
spoils system · nepotism · cronyism · favoritism · old boy network
merit systemcorruption
Dishonest abuse of power
bribery · pay-to-play · graft · backroom deals · insider dealing
merit systempatronage system
Awarding posts for loyalty
nepotism · spoils system · cronyism · favoritism · old boy network