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Who becomes a civil servant? Evidence from a decade of youth panel analysis

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  • Don S. Lee
  • Kee Hoon Chung
  • Inbok Rhee

Abstract

This article explores the patterns of bureaucratic recruitment—focusing on who prepares for and passes the civil service examination—using unique panel data that capture and track career aspirations, socioeconomic backgrounds, and actual career trajectories of tens of thousands of Korean youth for 12 years. Our analysis shows that those who are better educated, prosocial, and well-off are positively correlated with the likelihood of preparing for the examination. Moreover, we find that, contrary to some worries, the likelihood of passing the examination is positively correlated with talented and prosocial candidates with no strong connection to more affluent family backgrounds.

Suggested Citation

  • Don S. Lee & Kee Hoon Chung & Inbok Rhee, 2025. "Who becomes a civil servant? Evidence from a decade of youth panel analysis," Public Management Review, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 27(9), pages 2148-2171, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:taf:rpxmxx:v:27:y:2025:i:9:p:2148-2171
    DOI: 10.1080/14719037.2024.2327616
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