Historical factor

Meritocratic recruitment

Meritocratic recruitment is the recurring practice of selecting officials or officers on the basis of ability rather than birth. The imperial examination system of the Han, Tang, Song and Ming dynasties is the classic example, while the Mongol Empire promoted commanders for loyalty and skill. Such practices strengthened administration and could broaden the base of support for imperial rule.

Mentioned in 3 profiles

See also

Cite this entry
APA
The Epoch Institute. (2026). Meritocratic recruitment. In The Epoch Institute Encyclopedia. https://the-epoch-institute.org/encyclopedia/meritocratic-recruitment
MLA
“Meritocratic recruitment.” The Epoch Institute Encyclopedia, The Epoch Institute, 2026, https://the-epoch-institute.org/encyclopedia/meritocratic-recruitment. Accessed .
Chicago
The Epoch Institute. “Meritocratic recruitment.” The Epoch Institute Encyclopedia. 2026. https://the-epoch-institute.org/encyclopedia/meritocratic-recruitment.
Harvard
The Epoch Institute (2026) ‘Meritocratic recruitment’, The Epoch Institute Encyclopedia. Available at: https://the-epoch-institute.org/encyclopedia/meritocratic-recruitment (Accessed: ).

Last reviewed October 2026Random entry ↻