Adopting Meritocracy among the Youth for International Development in Developing Countries

Abstract

The aim of this research was to highlight how meritocracy can be adopted to tap youth as a resource for development in Developing countries. This meritocratic perspective is based on the premise that one's talents are primarily derived from their inherent qualities (e.g., personality and general intelligence). As a result, a meritocratic environment is described as one that recognizes an individual's abilities and provides them with the environment and, opportunities they need to excel in their endeavors. This qualitative analysis is an integrative literature review based on the desk study of secondary data. The findings show that meritocracy is achieved through, talent-based careers, educational opportunities tailored to natural aptitude, and achievement as the foundation for social reward system in the society. The practice of meritocracy may be harnessed to build up an effective work culture and promote economic growth with social development. Nevertheless, what we can conclude from this study is that non-meritocratic culture currently practiced in Developing countries, especially neopatrimonialism, is considered to play an important role in hindering youth access to opportunities. Therefore, meritocracy is a strategy that policy makers should consider adopting if they want to succeed at jumpstarting economic development based on a capitalist market model.