Formation of Administrative Elites in the DPP:Using the First Power Transition as Observation Point

Volume: 

8

Number: 

2

Published date: 

December, 2004

Authors: 

Yu-Cheng Chiu
Yung-Ming Hsu

Abstract: 

This research project focuses on the formation of administrative elites within the DPP after the political power turnover in 2000. Through the analysis of the administrative elites’ background, and their entry and mobility between sectors, the features of this administrative group can be specified. Personnel data of DDP administrative elites was collected for the 2000-2003 period. These data including by which department these elites were recruited, their levels and personal profile. The profile details were mainly collected from Academia Historic and the compilation of data on superintendents of the Executive Yuan and respective departments. In case of missing data, other sources such as the internet, newspapers, and “Who’s Who in the Republic of China” were consulted.

Through analysis of these data, we found that the new government used a different recruitment strategy from which, depending on the substitutability of the staffs. Departments with more replaceable staffs indicates a considerably high a level of personnel flow, and vice versa. Besides, during the process of government’s stabilization, the DPP government not only offered internal career chance, but also sought to expand the recruitment from social elites. Since DPP strongly appealed to sex equality before coming into power, after assuming power the number of female administrators increased slightly. Furthermore, in comparing the employment pattern of the old and new governments, generational turnover was also recognizable. Finally, as the government did not provide those with mainland background with ample opportunities, this group experienced a decline in power.

Keywords: