Understanding Chinese Meritocracy

Many have problem reconciling China’s corruption-infested system with meritocracy. The survey study reported here indicates that Chinese cadres are eager to impress their superior, but what impresses the superior is increasingly along the line of competence and achievement. Even corrupt officials have to deliver and be competent, the bottom line that sets limits to patronage. The system may not always favour the most competent but it is geared towards performance.