Merit-based Selection of Public Managers: Better Public Sector Performance?: An Exploratory Study

This qualitative study explores the degree to which the merit-based selectionof public managers leads to better public sector performance. Based on the findings from eight case studies in Chile and Peru, the introduction of the merit-based selection of public managers would have engendered a series of improvements in the internal management and practices of organizations -more so than in institutional outcomes. Other intangible and perceived benefits include the manager¿s higher level of legitimacy in, as well as a stronger commitment to, the institution. The study also proposes a future agenda for research.