Meritocratic

Describing a society, system, or organization where advancement is based on individual ability, talent, and achievement rather than factors such as wealth, social status, family connections, or privilege. A meritocratic system emphasizes fair competition and rewards individuals based on their demonstrated skills and accomplishments. The underlying principle is that those who perform best, or contribute the most, are given the greatest opportunities and responsibilities. The effectiveness of such a system often depends on impartial assessment and equal access to educational and developmental resources.

Meritocratic meaning with examples

• The company aimed to foster a meritocratic environment, rewarding employees based on their performance evaluations and contributions to team goals. Promotions were earned through hard work and exceeding expectations, not through seniority or personal relationships, which encouraged staff motivation and boosted the company's overall productivity. This system also encouraged employees to develop their skills and acquire new ones to be able to climb the professional ladder.
• The university’s admissions process was designed to be meritocratic. Admission decisions were made based on academic achievement, standardized test scores, and extracurricular involvement, with no consideration given to family background or financial standing. This focused approach increased diversity and ensured a more equitable representation of students, which in turn enriched the learning environment with a breadth of new ideas and experiences.
• Critics argued that the government's proposed reforms would create a more meritocratic society by removing barriers to upward mobility, enabling individuals from all backgrounds to compete on a level playing field. They believed that the reforms would offer improved social and economic prospects, fostering entrepreneurship and innovation within the economy. This meritocratic system was designed to reward ambition and hard work over the existing privilege.
• Despite its claims of being meritocratic, the department's promotion system seemed to favour individuals who conformed to a specific management style, overlooking the contributions of those with different skill sets and perspectives. This created cynicism and a perceived lack of fairness among the remaining employees, causing issues with team morale and hampering the department's ability to innovate and create new strategies for the future.