The Possibility of a Stable and Competent Senior Civil Service in Estonia
-
master's degree candidate, Tallinn University
The Estonian civil service system has been in the process of reform since Estonia regained its independence in 1991.
Currently the system has several qualities typical of the career system, though it can be still described as an open position system. This paper analyzes different prospects for development in the Estonian civil service; the emphasis has been laid on the senior civil service (SCS). Competence and stability in SCS are the main areas of interest for the author in this context. The theoretical part of this paper is based on the models of career (closed) and position (open) systems. The empirical part of the paper is based on a survey conducted by the author among representatives of the Estonian senior civil service. The conclusion of this analysis shows that it is not only possible but even necessary to have a competent and stable senior civil service in an open administrative system.