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UPDATED: August 13, 2012 NO.33 AUGUST 16, 2012
Meritocracy Is a Good Thing
By Daniel A. Bell
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Daniel A. Bell 

Political meritocracy is the idea that a political system is designed with the aim of selecting political leaders with above average ability to make morally informed political judgments. Political meritocracy has been largely eclipsed from political theorizing in the modern world, but there are three important reasons for reviving and reinterpreting this political ideal, particularly in a Chinese context. First, political meritocracy has been, and continues to be, central to Chinese political culture. Second, democracy is a flawed political system and meritocracy can help to remedy some of its flaws. Third, the Communist Party of China (CPC) itself has become a more meritocratic organization over the last three decades or so.

Political meritocracy is a key theme in the history of Chinese political culture. The idea of "elevating the worthy" emerged in the wake of the disintegration of the pedigree-based aristocratic order of the Spring and Autumn Period (770B.C.-476B.C.). This idea was shared by the vast majority of known thinkers in the Warring States period (475B.C.-221B.C.), and political thinkers debated about how to define merit and how to develop political practices and institutions based on merit.

For Confucius, political meritocracy starts from the assumption that everybody should be educated. However, not everybody will emerge from this process with an equal ability to make morally informed political judgments. Hence, an important task of the political system is to select leaders with an above average ability to make morally informed political judgments, as well as to encourage as many talented people as possible to participate in politics. Such rulers, in Confucius's view, would gain the trust of the people.

In imperial China, political meritocracy was institutionalized by means of the imperial examination system that put successful candidates on the road to fame and power. Whatever the flaws of the system, it did provide a minimal standard of talent selection and allowed for a modest level of social circulation. The examination system spread to Korea and Viet Nam and also influenced the development of civil service examinations in Western countries. In the post-World War II era, East Asian societies developed rapidly at least partly due to the sound decision-making of meritocratically-selected political rulers.

Today, political surveys show that there is widespread support for the ideal of political meritocracy in East Asian societies with a Confucian heritage. In China, many people endorse "guardianship discourse," defined as the need to identify "high-quality politicians who care about the people's demands, take people's interests into consideration when making decisions, and choose good policies on behalf of their people and society" over liberal democratic discourse that privileges procedural arrangements ensuring people's rights to participate in politics and choose their leaders.

Meritocracy and the CPC

In its early days, China under Mao Zedong explicitly rejected Confucian-inspired ideas of political meritocracy. Understandably, perhaps, the main task was rewarding revolution energy and securing military strength for the state to put an end to abuse and bullying by foreign powers. But now, the establishment of a relatively secure and strong Chinese state under the leadership of the CPC means that China has less to worry about survival qua political community. Hence, the emphasis has shifted to the task of good governance led by able and virtuous political leaders, and the selection and promotion mechanisms of the CPC have become more meritocratic.

Today, college campuses have become the main location for recruitment efforts. According to a report from China.org.cn, at elite schools like Tsinghua University, 28 percent of all undergrads, 43 percent of graduating seniors and up to 55 percent of grad students were CPC members in 2010. The CPC is also targeting the "new social stratum" of young professionals in urban areas, including businessmen and managers in private firms, lawyers, and accountants.

The promotion system for cadres is even more explicitly meritocratic. At a recent dialogue session with several foreign and Chinese academics, Minister of the Organization Department of the CPC Central Committee Li Yuanchao provided some fascinating and illuminating details. Li noted that different criteria are used to judge abilities and virtues at different levels of government. At lower levels, close connection with the people is particularly important. At the higher levels, more emphasis is placed on rationality since cadres need to take into account multiple factors and decision-making involves a much broader area of governance, but virtues such as concern for the people and a practical attitude also matter. Cadres are also expected to set a model of corruption-free rule.

To illustrate the rigorous meritocratic nature of selection at higher levels of government, Minister Li described the procedure used to select the secretary general of the Organization Department of the CPC Central Committee. First, there was a nomination process, including retired cadres. Those who received many nominations could move to the next stage. Next, there was an examination. Over 10 people took the exam, and five passed. To ensure that the process was fair, the examination papers were put in the corridor for all to judge the results. Then, there was an oral examination with an interview panel composed of ministers, vice ministers, and university professors.

To ensure transparency and fairness, ordinary cadres who work for the general secretary supervised the whole process. Three candidates with the highest scores were selected for the next stage. Then, the department of personnel led an inspection team to look into the performance and virtue of the candidates. Two people were recommended for the next stage. The final decision was made by a committee of 12 ministers who each had a vote, and the candidate had to have at least eight votes to succeed. If the required number of votes was not secured the first time, the ministers discussed further until two thirds could agree on a candidate.

Improving Meritocracy

The advantages of "actually-existing" meritocracy in the CPC are clear. Cadres are put through a grueling process of talent selection, and only those with an excellent record are likely to make it to the highest levels of government. The training process includes the cultivation of compassion for the disadvantaged by such means as limited periods of work in poor rural areas.

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