If you would like to write for this, or any other Emerald publication, then please use our Emerald for Authors service information about how to choose which publication to write for and submission guidelines are available for all. Please visit www.emeraldinsight.com/authors for more information. About Emerald www.emeraldinsight.comEmerald is a global publisher linking research and practice to the benefit of society. The company manages a portfolio of more than 290 journals and over 2,350 books and book series volumes, as well as providing an extensive range of online products and additional customer resources and services.Emerald is both COUNTER 4 and TRANSFER compliant. The organization is a partner of the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE) and also works with Portico and the LOCKSS initiative for digital archive preservation. AbstractPurpose -The aim of this paper is to examine the evolution and development of the selection process and methods used by the Chinese government for appointing public officials. Design/methodology/approach -The paper adopts an approach combining literature and document reviews with discussion with field experts. Findings -China has a long history of selecting the most able individuals for government officials. During the political turmoil of the twentieth century, this was abandoned for ideological reasons. Current selection criteria and process are increasingly based on solid psychology and management approaches.Research limitations/implications -This paper is an overview of developments in Chinese government official selection approaches and process. Practical implications -It may serve as a baseline for future research and practice on exploring sound and institutionalized selection methods and processes. Originality/value -This is an initial attempt to explore senior Chinese officials' selection process.

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