Meritocracy
/ˌmɛrɪˈtɒkrəsi/
Definitions
- (n.) A system of government or organization where appointments and responsibilities are assigned to individuals based on their abilities and merits rather than wealth or social class.
The company prides itself on operating as a true meritocracy, promoting employees solely on their performance.
- (n.) A societal ideology or belief that power and success should be distributed according to individual merit.
Critics argue that pure meritocracy overlooks structural inequalities affecting opportunity.
Forms
- meritocracies
Related terms
Commentary
When drafting, clarify whether meritocracy refers to an ideal system or a descriptive organizational practice.
This glossary is for general informational and educational purposes only. Definitions are jurisdiction-agnostic but reflect terminology and concepts primarily drawn from English and American legal traditions. Nothing herein constitutes legal advice or creates a lawyer-client relationship. Users should consult qualified counsel for advice on specific matters or jurisdictions.