The raw truth about corporate meritocracy and why this fallacy must be eliminated
Posted: Tue Dec 03, 2024 11:03 am
If there is one thing that is difficult to believe in, it is meritocracy, a concept that is so present in our reality and that every now and then becomes the topic of the moment for debate.
And more than ever, this period we are living in brings this topic to the fore, especially when it comes to careers in companies.
According to the Michaelis dictionary, meritocracy can be defined as a form of administration in which positions are achieved based on merit, in which knowledge and competence predominate.
From this definition it is possible to begin to understand that this type of discourse does not match our reality , and that meritocracy privileges those who have already had opportunities, that is, those who were born rich.
To better understand this subject, let's talk a little about the scenario of the Brazilian population and understand why meritocracy is a fallacy and does not work in companies.
Meritocracy in theory
The word meritocracy has its etymological origin in Latin and also in Greek. Merit comes from the word meritum , and cracia comes from Greek, which means power, which we can define as “power of merit” .
What we can identify with this terminology is that the word meritocracy defines, as the basis for professional success, individual effort and dedication. Because only through individual work is it possible to “move up” in the career.
Meritocracy works with hierarchical positions , where the higher the position, the more the individual has worked to be there.
That is, it is necessary to have the best education, the best technical and professional profiles that are specific to that area.
This system is widely used in private companies as a way of recognizing good performance.
They value professionals through salary increases, offering higher positions and also rewarding them in other ways, such as trips.
Meritocracy is used to motivate employees , so that they are always striving for the best.
But I ask you, how can we have a meritocratic system if we don't start from the same place?
That more than 50% of the population does not have access to quality education , which is the basis for being able to “compete” for a place.
In this video, Gui Nery , from Growth Marketing, and his guest Reury Fidelis , address the topic succinctly with current and essential issues for the business environment.
To delve deeper into this topic, let's move on to the next topic to understand telecommunications email list the social inequality that plagues our country, and how meritocracy is something only for those who have had better opportunities.
The reflection of social inequality in the labor market
Believing that it is possible for a person to achieve the job position they desire solely on their own merit is the same as believing that we all start from the same place to achieve this feat.
Which is not true, because Brazil is one of the most unequal countries in the world , and to prove this statement, just do a quick search on the internet.
According to the IBGE, income concentration increased in 2018. This means that 1% of the population that is considered rich increased their income by 8%. The poorest population, on the other hand, decreased their income by 3%.
It is no wonder that Brazil is in second place when it comes to income concentration , behind only Qatar.
And more than ever, this period we are living in brings this topic to the fore, especially when it comes to careers in companies.
According to the Michaelis dictionary, meritocracy can be defined as a form of administration in which positions are achieved based on merit, in which knowledge and competence predominate.
From this definition it is possible to begin to understand that this type of discourse does not match our reality , and that meritocracy privileges those who have already had opportunities, that is, those who were born rich.
To better understand this subject, let's talk a little about the scenario of the Brazilian population and understand why meritocracy is a fallacy and does not work in companies.
Meritocracy in theory
The word meritocracy has its etymological origin in Latin and also in Greek. Merit comes from the word meritum , and cracia comes from Greek, which means power, which we can define as “power of merit” .
What we can identify with this terminology is that the word meritocracy defines, as the basis for professional success, individual effort and dedication. Because only through individual work is it possible to “move up” in the career.
Meritocracy works with hierarchical positions , where the higher the position, the more the individual has worked to be there.
That is, it is necessary to have the best education, the best technical and professional profiles that are specific to that area.
This system is widely used in private companies as a way of recognizing good performance.
They value professionals through salary increases, offering higher positions and also rewarding them in other ways, such as trips.
Meritocracy is used to motivate employees , so that they are always striving for the best.
But I ask you, how can we have a meritocratic system if we don't start from the same place?
That more than 50% of the population does not have access to quality education , which is the basis for being able to “compete” for a place.
In this video, Gui Nery , from Growth Marketing, and his guest Reury Fidelis , address the topic succinctly with current and essential issues for the business environment.
To delve deeper into this topic, let's move on to the next topic to understand telecommunications email list the social inequality that plagues our country, and how meritocracy is something only for those who have had better opportunities.
The reflection of social inequality in the labor market
Believing that it is possible for a person to achieve the job position they desire solely on their own merit is the same as believing that we all start from the same place to achieve this feat.
Which is not true, because Brazil is one of the most unequal countries in the world , and to prove this statement, just do a quick search on the internet.
According to the IBGE, income concentration increased in 2018. This means that 1% of the population that is considered rich increased their income by 8%. The poorest population, on the other hand, decreased their income by 3%.
It is no wonder that Brazil is in second place when it comes to income concentration , behind only Qatar.