last updated 10/16/2008

The Myth of Meritocracy

 

It’s not the whole story and these factors are less overwhelming after achieving middle management.  However,

 

Often promotion/success depends on:

 

1.                 How much supervisors see promotables as "like themselves"  – i.e. identification.  This has advantages for the superior.

•    helps in rapid decision-obedience situations

•  reduces uncertainty

• eases communication 
   

2.                 positive relationships, esp. with superiors.  This is often linked to "perceived" competence (see the 3 parts of a competent image).

•  You must communicate success so

(1)                it can be seen and

(2)               is representative of skills needed at the higher level (not your own level).

•   personal relationships also influence recommendations.  Those who get promotions have the most good recomendations from powerful people, esp at higher levels.