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The declining talent pool of government

Journal

American Journal of Political Science

Subject

Economics

Publishing details

American Journal of Political Science 2010 Vol 54:2 p 267-286

Authors / Editors

Dewan T;Myatt D P

Biographies

David P Myatt

Publication Year

2010

Abstract

We consider a government for which success requires high performance by talented ministers. A leader provides incentives to her ministers by firing those who fail. However, the consequent turnover drains a finite talent pool of potential appointees. The severity of the optimal firing rule and ministerial performances decline over time: the lifetime of an effective government is limited. We relate this lifetime to various factors, including external shocks, the replenishment of the talent pool, and the leader's reputation. Some results are surprising: an increase in the stability of government and the exogenous imposition of stricter performance standards can both shorten the era of effective government, and an increase in the replenishment of the talent pool can reduce incumbent ministers' performance.

Available on ECCH

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