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Between politics and bureaucracy: a systematic literature review on the dynamics of public appointments

André Vaz Lopes (Post-Graduate Program in Administration (PPGA), University of Brasília, Brasilia, Brazil)
Diego Mota Vieira (Post-Graduate Program in Administration (PPGA), University of Brasília, Brasilia, Brazil)

International Journal of Public Sector Management

ISSN: 0951-3558

Article publication date: 3 February 2023

Issue publication date: 16 March 2023

344

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this article is to explain the dynamics of public appointments and present new possibilities for research in this field.

Design/methodology/approach

The article is based on a systematic literature review from 2012 to 2021, identified in Web of Science, Scopus and SciELO, in English, Spanish or Portuguese. To explain the dynamics of public appointments, the following were analyzed: the nomination process; the motivations, objectives and criteria used; the results and impacts of appointments; and the profile of the nominees. The study focused only on discretionary appointments to fully public bodies and agencies.

Findings

The literature offers a limited explanation for the dynamics of appointments, by focusing on the dichotomy between loyalty and competence. Despite this, studies suggest that different contextual factors, such as administrative tradition or strategic choices, for example, determine the dynamics of appointments, indicating that it is a complex process that goes beyond the simple discussion of merit or clientelism.

Originality/value

The article presents an unprecedented analysis of the literature on the dynamics of public appointments and proposes an explanatory model that indicates that other factors, in addition to merit and loyalty, should be considered relevant for the selection criteria, the nomination process and the profile of who will be appointed. This model is useful both for the practical management of appointments and for the advancement of theory in this field and should receive improvements and future empirical evaluations.

Keywords

Citation

Lopes, A.V. and Vieira, D.M. (2023), "Between politics and bureaucracy: a systematic literature review on the dynamics of public appointments", International Journal of Public Sector Management, Vol. 36 No. 2, pp. 152-170. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJPSM-09-2022-0200

Publisher

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Emerald Publishing Limited

Copyright © 2023, Emerald Publishing Limited

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