What is Meritocracy? A Critical Review of the Meritocracy Literature from a Public Administration Perspective

Abstract

A literature review on meritocracy might be confusing for researchers since it reveals two clearly different approaches. Meritocracy is often argued with negative connotations in politics, sociology, and educational studies, as it perpetuates and legitimizes existing inequalities rather than curing them. This approach suggests that social mobility through an education-based meritocracy is invalid because wealth and advantages are inevitably passed on to the next generation. However, the public administration literature recognizes meritocracy as essential to good governance. This perspective also acknowledges the importance of merit-based administration in sustaining equality in government employment. Yet, it often overlooks the criticism of meritocracy. This study, based on a critical analysis of the literature, draws attention to the ongoing confusion surrounding meritocracy debates and aims to contribute to the field by examining the literature from a public administration perspective. In this context, the study categorizes meritocracy under the titles “Meritocracy as a social system or an ideology” and “Meritocracy as a form of administration based on merit-based practices (Merit System)”, analyzing different perspectives on the subject under these headings.

In order to eliminate the existing confusion, the study suggests declaring that the equivalent of a meritocracy in public administration is a merit system, with dictionary definitions being revised accordingly. The study also recognizes the importance of merit-based administration in public administration and considers criticism of meritocracy to be questionable. The analysis concludes that merit-based administration is primarily relevant to public administration and that the critiques raised against meritocracy do not fully align with the field. The study also argues that the definition of merit as “Intelligence (or talent) + Effort”, as presented in the criticism of meritocracy, does not apply to public administration. It invites scholars to elaborate on how merit should be defined and measured within the context of public administration.