Assessment of Meritocracy, Accountability, and Public Service Reforms

The book offers valuable insights into public sector reform in Ethiopia's northwest region. Based on data collected from 354 public employees and analyzed using structural equation modeling with partial least squares (SEM-PLS), the study confirms that both meritocracy and accountability significantly influence reform effectiveness. Importantly, the research finds that accountability partially mediates the relationship between meritocracy and reform outcomes-indicating that merit alone is insufficient without strong governance structures. The findings emphasize the importance of establishing locally grounded, merit-based systems supported by transparent and accountable institutions. Dr. Worku calls on policymakers to rethink public administration by addressing institutional values, legal challenges, and the need for performance-based management to achieve lasting and meaningful reform.