A LOOK BEHIND THE CURTAIN: EXAMINING MERITOCRACY WITHIN PROFESSIONAL SERVICES FIRMS IN PAKISTAN

Abstract

Meritocracy, a corner stone of modern organizational ethos, ostensibly promises equal opportunities and advancement based solely on individual capabilities and achievements, regardless of background or affiliation. Meritocracy raises the returns on human capital management by ensuring that individuals are free to contribute and succeed, whatever their social rank or personal connections. However, its application within the context of Pakistani’s professional services sector remains largely unexplored. Therefore, by presenting a qualitative conceptual framework, this research delves into the intricate dynamics of meritocracy within professional services firms in Pakistan, offering an empirical analysis of the extent to which merit-based principles guide organizational practices. Employing a qualitative approach in terms of face to face interviews, this study investigates the perceptions and realities of meritocracy among employees and leaders within professional services firms. Through qualitative interviews, it seeks to identify the factors influencing meritocratic practices, including cultural norms, institutional frameworks, and organizational policies. Additionally, the research examines the impact of nepotism, favoritism, and other forms of bias on meritocratic ideals, shedding light on the challenges to their implementation in Pakistan's socio-cultural landscape.