VANISHING
CYPRUS
By
Andreas C Chrysafis
January 2012 (No27) ©
Meritocracy
Meritocracy is the power-source that drives nations into prosperity within the boundaries of a fairer society free from political suppression. It is not a government or a political system, but rather a practical ideology advocated hundreds of years ago. Plato believed that: “only a select few have adequate knowledge to lead the state” and the state should be based on a merit system to reward those who excel in their line of work. Although he advocated the principle of “majority rule”, in contrast, he also considered democracy as a system that encourages corruption and nepotism - not bad assumption for a two and half thousand year-old -man!
This philosophy is not as rare as people may think; it is an attitude that societies, industry and governments should all strive to attain. Its underlying principle has played a major influence in many areas and it can be found in the hierarchy of academia, banking, sciences, medical and other professions, but mostly, in the operational structure of progressive large corporations. Meritocracy has been the main inspiring force as to why some companies become successful, while others remain stagnant.
The modern-day concept of meritocracy has spread from China to British India during the 17th century and then into continental Europe and the United States. Yet one of the oldest examples of a merit-based system, which relied on competitive examinations for recruiting civil servants, dates back to the Han Dynasty - 200 B.C. In order to deter and prevent the infestation of favouritism only those that scored the highest marks were hired; this strict criteria applied to all applicants equally with not any exceptions!
Therefore, meritocracy can be described as a way of life by doing away of appointing jobs to unqualified individuals. It is a fair and an inspiring concept suitable for industries, corporations, government and institutions, wherein appointments are assigned to individuals determined only through examinations. Merit can take the form of intelligence, credentials, education, practical expertise, and general aptitude to specific knowledge but above all else, reasoning and common sense by the recognition of one’s own limitations. Having “the right connections” then becomes meaningless!
A society or a state that respects peoples’ worthiness and achievements will ultimately succeed over the rest - provided an elitist society is not nurtured or encouraged to develop. Meritocracy is forever immune because it has the ability to conform at all given social changes. Like truth, it is indestructible!
