MERITOCRACY may be defined as a system of governance or administrative structure where individuals are rewarded and promoted or given a chance to grow and develop based on their merit, abilities and skills rather than their social status, power or connections. It is often heralded as an efficient and justified way to assign responsibilities, provide opportunities, allocate resources and emphasising talent and effort as the key drivers to attainment.
When we look for equality and progress, meritocracy stands as a beacon of hope, advocating for opportunities that align with an individual鈥檚 competence. It offers a framework where each person鈥檚 potential can flourish, undistorted by social backgrounds or external biases. Meritocracy is essential for nation-building as it sets the basis for sustainable development.
By allocating resources and opportunities based on merit, societies can guarantee that their human capital is used efficiently. In governance, meritocratic systems produce competent leaders who can address challenges pragmatically. For businesses and organisations, merit-based practices enhance competitiveness and innovation. Collectively, the factors contribute to addressing people of all strata offering equal opportunities for building a just society ensuring overall systematic progress. The student uprising of July 2024 was began with the spirit of prioritising meritocracy over the allotment of quota.
Meritocracy helps to foster a culture of excellence by ensuring that capable individuals are chosen on a priority basis. This undoubtedly motivates individuals to improve their skills and knowledge. The principal author of the Declaration of Independence, Thomas Jefferson, stated, 鈥榓ll men are created equal,鈥欌�� indicating that every person should have the same opportunities for accomplishment. This conviction is associated with the principles of a meritocracy, which values individuals based on their attainments rather than their social status or connections.
In any society where merit prevails, innovation and creativity thrive as people are encouraged to think critically and solve problems effectively. Meritocracy also builds up social cohesion by dipping nepotism and favouritism, thereby encouraging a sense of justice and fairness. There is no alternative to doing justice in all regards. Developing the system of meritocracy and maintaining it is a noble action of ensuring justice by which someone can penetrate hearts of the people.
Despite a clear understanding, our society still possesses the culture of requesting any type of competitive positions that ranges from a position in the job market to admission to educational institutions. Some people express disregard for meritocracy while recommending candidates although it deprives others. It becomes difficult for the officials concerned to negate the request. They, rather, fall into a dilemma in making decisions. At times, just to maintain personal relationship, unsystematic enrolment is likely to be adopted, which causes not only deprivation of meritorious candidates but also huge setback to the individuals鈥� life and the reputation of the institution.
Our society is also not immune to forcing directly or indirectly to intervene in the system where political agendas may interrupt merit-based appointments and decision-making. Such interventions not only hinder progress but also sow distrust in the very foundation of fairness. Yielding to pressure or greed is not uncommon for prioritising the unworthy over the meritorious. Nepotism towards family and close associates often challenges merit-based systems. Moreover, discrimination based on gender, race or culture may mislead the assessment of merit. In many systems, dishonesty erodes trust and skews the selection process.
Regardless of many odds, some organisations and institutions have developed a system of maintaining meritocracy although many are yet to systematise. As an example, university admissions are a critical area where meritocracy must be upheld to ensure fairness and quality. By enrolling students based on the set criteria, especially academic achievement, universities can nurture a generation of capable individuals who will contribute to society in more positive ways.
Similarly, maintaining meritocracy in teacher recruitment is crucial to ensuring quality education and academic excellence. By selecting educators based on qualifications and expertise, institutions can uphold fairness and foster a learning environment where students benefit from knowledgeable and skilled mentors. Such systems ensure that merit and competence remain the key determinants of success, leading to a strong educational framework. This, in turn, strengthens the overall education system and contributes to societal progress.
Greek philosopher Plato鈥檚 concept of meritocracy was 鈥榓 system where people are selected for positions of power based on their abilities, not their social status.鈥� He pondered that meritocracy was better than democracy as it would guarantee that the best people would rule. On the contrary, Robert H Frank, in his book Good Fortune and the Myth of Meritocracy, stated, 鈥楢s a practical matter, of course, no system could ever be perfectly meritocracy.鈥� However, keeping aside different ideas, in the present-day laymen鈥檚 understanding about meritocracy, it is often viewed as a fair and just system; its practical implementation frequently reveals inherent flaws.
The idea of pure meritocracy assumes a level playing field where everyone has equal access to resources, opportunities and support. In reality, systemic inequalities prevent many talented individuals from realising their full potential, denying them the opportunities required for success. An unequal access to education, facilities and resources prevents many brilliant individuals from reaching their maximum potential. All may not have equal talent, but no one should be deprived of availing an opportunity to develop their talent.
However, systemic inequalities in education, socioeconomic status and social networks often give some individuals a significant advantage over others. This perpetuates a cycle of privilege, where those with access to better resources are more likely to succeed, notwithstanding their inherent abilities. Furthermore, subjective factors, such as implicit biases, may slant the perception of merit, leading to unfair outcomes. The rhetoric of meritocracy can sometimes cause enormous harm as well. Hence, the myth of meritocracy lies in its promise of fair-mindedness while ignoring the underlying barriers that hinder true equal opportunity.
To establish a truly meritocratic society, a cultural shift is necessary. This involves reshaping the frame of mind to value merit over connections. First and foremost, individuals involved in the process of maintaining meritocracy have to develop themselves with moral and ethical values. Education systems should emphasise critical thinking, problem-solving and fairness embedded with patriotism. Such an approach cultivates a sense of collective responsibility, where individuals are not only judged by their capabilities but also by their contributions to the greater good. Public awareness campaigns may challenge biases, fostering an environment where every individual is judged by their capabilities and contributions.
Transparent, non-interventional rules and regulations should be developed in the system to guard against interventions which often dilute the principles of meritocracy. It should have appropriate checks and balances to prevent corruption and favouritism. These measures should aim to address historical injustices which may sometimes lead to inefficiencies and resentment. Steps need be taken to negate the culture of entitlement rather than one that values effort and competency. This helps to develop trust in institutions and encourages the motivation of genuinely talented individuals.
Requirements of psychological development are of utmost importance for establishing a just and equitable society. The importance of upholding justice, regardless of personal biases or affiliations, cannot be overstated in the pursuit of a fair and progressive society. To develop a better society, changes are to be brought about in oneself, inculcating honesty and integrity, compassion, empathy and patriotism.
Meritocracy represents an ideal that, when implemented effectively, can transform societies into equitable, innovative and prosperous entities. While challenges exist, they are not insurmountable. By addressing systemic barriers, fostering a culture of fairness and designing transparent systems, societies can uphold the principles of meritocracy.
In the long run, the measures can establish a foundation where merit is recognised, leading to a more just and harmonious society. In doing so, they pave the way for a future where talent and effort, rather than privilege and prejudice, define success. Integrity in the overall societal system is likely to develop a modus operandi of accountability which will prevent corruption, favouritism and undue influence.
听
Md Mahbub-ul Alam, a serving major general in the Bangladesh army, is vice-chancellor of the Bangladesh University of Professionals.
