Pressure on officials will hinder policy in China

Subject

Targets and performance management in China's civil service.

Significance

In China's system of government, many if not most national policies are implemented by local officials. These officials are subject to four different evaluation instruments, including a wide array of quantitative targets. This puts enormous pressure on them and, by extension, all other government employees.

Impacts

• High pressure and lack of rewards will make officials indifferent to non-target areas.
• Psychological pressure and high workloads will lead to burn-outs.
• Loyalty to and identification with one-party rule might decrease.
• Recruitment of capable personnel will become harder for the civil service and easier for firms as officials resign.