Meritocracy in the Selection Process of Administrators in Higher Education: Academics' Views

Abstract

This case study examines academics’ views on how meritocracy is applied in the selection process of higher education administrators (deans and department heads) and the criteria that should be included in a merit-based selection system. A qualitative research approach designed in the phenomenological design was used to reveal academics’ views on merit in higher education administrators’ selection processes. Data were collected from 11 academics working in various state universities in Türkiye through semi-structured interviews. The study participants were determined by the maximum sampling method. After collecting data, the obtained data were analyzed using content analysis. The results reveal that academics desire the merit-based system; however, there are difficulties in practice due to political affiliation, clicks in the university, and nepotism. According to participant academics, higher education administrators should have merit-based qualities such as an international perspective, experience, and familiarity with the organization.