Political Patronage in Asian Bureaucracies

Political patronage is the practice of political actors appointing individuals to key positions in the public sector. The book examines this practice in 11 Asian countries using a typological framework of patronage types based on the basis of trust and the major role of political appointees. Countries with well-developed civil service systems showed minimal levels of patronage, while countries with weak civil service systems showed high levels.

Format: Hardback
Length: 350 pages
Publication date: 31 July 2023
Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Political patronage refers to the practice by political actors of appointing individuals to key positions in the public sector, often based on their discretion. This phenomenon is examined in depth in the book, which explores the prevalence of patronage in the bureaucracies of 11 Asian countries. The book employs a typological framework of patronage types to categorize these practices. The framework is based on two key criteria: the basis of trust and the significant role played by political appointees.

Several countries with well-developed civil service systems exhibited minimal levels of patronage. Japan, Singapore, and South Korea are notable examples. These countries have established robust systems that prioritize meritocracy, ensuring that appointments are made based on qualifications and expertise rather than political connections.

On the other hand, two countries with weak civil service systems demonstrated extremely high levels of patronage appointments. Bangladesh and India are examples of countries where political influence plays a significant role in determining who gets appointed to government positions. In these cases, political parties and social ties to society often overshadow meritocracy, leading to the appointment of individuals who may not be the most qualified or experienced.

In between these extremes, there are countries with formal civil service systems that are heavily influenced by political parties and social ties to society. Vietnam, Kazakhstan, and China are examples of countries where political parties play a significant role in shaping the civil service, and appointments are often made based on political considerations rather than merit.

The book concludes that not all patronage is the same. What matters most is the nature of the tasks performed by appointees and the quality of the trust relationship between them and the political actors who appointed them. The book emphasizes the importance of transparency, accountability, and meritocracy in the appointment process to ensure that public sector positions are filled with the most qualified and capable individuals.

Overall, the book provides valuable insights into the prevalence and dynamics of political patronage in Asian countries, shedding light on the challenges and opportunities associated with this practice. It serves as a valuable resource for policymakers, researchers, and anyone interested in understanding the role of politics in shaping public sector appointments.

ISBN-13: 9781009208062