Definition

1. Noun:
   • A system for hiring and advancing government employees based on their skills and performance: A "merit system" is a personnel management approach where appointments and promotions within the civil service are determined by an individual's demonstrated competence, qualifications, and abilities, rather than by political patronage or other non-competitive factors.

Usage

• The "merit system" is used to describe a formal, structured approach to public sector employment. It contrasts with a "spoils system," where jobs are given as political rewards.
• It is commonly discussed in the context of government administration, civil service reform, and public policy.

Examples

• Noun:
  • The city adopted a merit system to ensure that the most qualified candidates were hired as firefighters.
  • Promotions within the agency are governed by a strict merit system, which evaluates employees based on annual reviews and exam results.

Advanced Usage

• "to be hired under/through a merit system": To be employed via a process that evaluates ability.
  • All federal employees in this category are hired through a merit system.
• "merit system principles": The foundational rules and values that guide a merit-based personnel system.
  • The commission is responsible for upholding merit system principles across the government.

Variants and Related Words

• Meritocracy (n): A broader social or organizational system where success and status are based on talent, effort, and achievement.
  • The company prides itself on being a meritocracy where the best ideas win.
• Merit-based (adj): Describing any process or decision founded on merit.
  • The scholarship program is entirely merit-based.

Synonyms

• Competitive system: A system based on competition and qualification.
• Civil service system: Often implies a merit-based framework for government employment.

Antonyms

• Spoils system: A system where political supporters are rewarded with public offices.
• Patronage system: A system based on favoritism, especially in appointments to office.

Noun

1. the system of employing and promoting civil servants on the basis of ability