Civil Service Development in China and America: A Comparative Perspective

Abstract

How has reform changed Chinese and American civil service systems in light of China’s landmark reform in 1993 by contrast to the aftermath of the U.S. Civil Service Act of 1883? While there are significant differences, remarkable administrative and political similarities also emerge. Particularly salient is the role of educational systems in the civil service development of both countries. Surprisingly, this comparative analysis finds a common struggle to balance professional expertise with political accountability and control. King Kwun Tsao of the Chinese University of Hong Kong and John Abbott Worthley of Seton Hall University argue that further comparative research is essential to hone an improved understanding of China specifically as well as civil service systems generally.

Assessing Chinese Managerial Competencies from Different Perspectives

“…As long as these officials do not make mistakes and are loyal to the party, they will be rewarded and promoted regardless of their managerial competencies and the extent to which they can satisfy citizens' demands (Bian, Shu, & Logan, 2001;Brodsgaard & Zheng, 2006). However, in the current political milieu, there is still a separation between party politics and the civil service system (Tsao & Worthley, 2009) and liberating public personnel development and management from the Party's control has been suggested as the most fundamental and effective way to eliminate bureaucratic impasses (Edin, 2003).…”

“…In China, public officials at the local government level play a very important role in implementing public policies and carrying out daily administration (Jing & Savas, 2009;Tsao & Worthley, 2009). Moreover, due to China's unique political and economic environment, most public officials are the cadres of the ruling Chinese Community Party (CCP).…”

The System of Merit in Common Law: Origins, evolution, and the current state of affairs

“…Deste modo, Roosevelt insistiu na importância do mérito nas nomeações, reforçou a Comissão da Função Pública, impulsionou a atividade sindical dos funcionários públicos e reorganizou os departamentos executivos de modo a melhorar a eficiência. Ao mesmo tempo, porém, o Hatch Act de 1939 proibiu a atividade político-partidária dos funcionários da administração federal, numa tentativa de combater a diminuição da neutralidade política sentida ao longo da década de 1930 (Tsao and Worthley, 2009). Com a administração Roosevelt iniciou-se um longo processo de descentralização da gestão de pessoal para os departamentos e agências federais que, mais tarde, a partir da administração Truman (1945)(1946)(1947)(1948)(1949)(1950)(1951)(1952)(1953), assumiram a análise de categorias funcionais, a avaliação de desempenho e a gestão das promoções, entre muitas outras tarefas.…”

It’s Been a Long Time Comin’

“…Much of this work has been driven by an increased interest in China both as a stand-alone subject (Chan, 2003;Chan & Suizhou, 2007) and in comparison to the United States (Tsao & Worthley, 2009). Much of this work has been driven by an increased interest in China both as a stand-alone subject (Chan, 2003;Chan & Suizhou, 2007) and in comparison to the United States (Tsao & Worthley, 2009).…”