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Public Administration vocabulary · Civil Service and Public Personnel

Merit system

Meaning in public administration, with examples

nounCommon term

In public administration, merit system means: A way of hiring and promoting public employees based on ability, qualifications and performance, often tested through exams, rather than on political connections or personal favours.

In Turkish: liyakat sistemi, liyakat ilkesi

How it is used

A core idea in civil service reform. The merit system is contrasted with the spoils system, in which jobs are given to political supporters. Related phrases: merit principle, merit-based recruitment, appointment on merit.

Example sentences

  1. The merit system was introduced to stop ministers from giving jobs to their supporters.

  2. Supporters of the merit system say that open exams make recruitment fairer.

Common collocations

  • merit principle
  • merit-based recruitment
  • appointment on merit
  • spoils system
  • recruitmentThe process of finding, selecting and hiring new staff, from advertising a post to making a job offer.
  • civil serviceAll the permanent, non-political staff who work in government ministries and agencies, seen as one body; also the system of rules for hiring and managing them.
  • appointmentThe act of officially choosing someone for a job or position, especially in the public sector; also the position itself.
  • promotionA move to a higher position, grade or rank within an organization, usually with more responsibility and higher pay.

More terms: Civil Service and Public Personnel

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