英文摘要 |
Most modern civil service systems are merit-based which place emphasis on the selection of civil servants based on their skills and abilities, rather than their political or personal connections. For the past decade or so, research on the politicization of the civil service has increased rapidly, arguing that meritbased selection has its limitation and there is an urgent need to enhance the political responsiveness of civil servants. Research on the meaning, the trend and the potential impacts of the politicization of civil service is needed. Based on the existing literature, this paper first explores the meanings and typology of the politicization of civil service. The first type of politicization refers to the recruitment of civil servant based on political criteria rather than merits. The second type of politicization is the increase of political advisors to make civil servants more responsive. The analysis of data from expert surveys demonstrates the increase in the degree of politicization in most countries. Furthermore, this papers analyzes the development of the politicization of the UK civil service. The change in the direction of policy of reform triggered the demand for the politicization of civil service, which led to civil servants' reluctance to provide free and frank advice. However, political patronage was not a major concern. The number of special advisors has increased. The inappropriate behaviors of special advisors raised many debates and consequently more regulations are put in practice. This paper concludes with some reflection on the idea of politicization and provides some suggestions on the development of the civil service in Taiwan. |