Workplace Meritocracy

First of all if you know nothing about meritocracy then please visit

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Meritocracy

Ok so this morning in the IRC we were discussing, slavery, in many forms amongst other things... And it got me thinking about meritocracy again...Shin originally introduced me to the idea... Basically i don't think Society on a whole should be a meritocracy as often the "smartest, brightest" people would NOT make the right descisions for a country or area on a whole, I do however think that distinctions should be made in the education systems and the really bright students SHOULD be offered tasks tailored to their learning ability. Thus enabling them to succeed to their fullest potential.

However in the workplace where you are in essence making your boss money based on how well you do your job, you get paid based on age. Junior and Senior rates. Now, i have to ask, why can a person of 17 or 18 HONESTLY be worth more to a business than someone of an older age. Admittedly most promotions and such in business are based on Merit, however in TRADE work. Each person is NOT piad equal and i don't just mean apprentices, older workers are deemed more experienced and as such paid more. But in something such as formworking, or concreting, or even things like electrician a younger worker can quite often work to a far greater level than an older one.

As well as this, someone who has gone too Uni, gotten their bachelor and come out into the workforce is, in some professions worth more. Yet how can people say that someone who has spent 6 years studying knows more about it than someone who has been WORKING in the industry for 6 years. When it comes down to it, industry experience is far more important than training in some areas. But because you aren't "certified" you aren't worth as much or are overlooked in the HR department.


Anyways, what are your views on meritocracy in all the abovementioned topics

education, workplace, society in general.

 

I get the promotions before the stupid people because I am talented and I learned how to excel in what I do.

People who fail to do that... well... fail.

Perhaps this logic applies to the standard working man, but in an industry of talent and skill derived from practice and study, it does not.

 

Yeah seriously, nowadays a bunch of nerds who are only good at school can go to top schools and get high paying jobs easily even though they probably suck at what they do. And someone who just went to an average school but actually is engaged in his career and is very good at it, would have to start on the bottom and climb his way up.

Jansen just curious, what is it that you do?

 

I work at a local web design firm.

 

I think it's only right that the person who can do the job best, rich or poor gets the job/position. Anyways, does this apply to bureaucrat jobs only?