According to newspaper reports, oral tests are to be gradually added to national examinations starting next year.
Additionally, for jobs that require high stress resistance and emotional stability or involve firearms, science-based psychological tests are to be used to help with talent selection.
Although the new direction is correct, there must also be adequate preparation.
The psychological requirements for different civil servant positions vary greatly. For example, the psychological qualities needed for a general administrative post are different from those for a National Security Bureau job. Despite some special examinations including oral tests, it seems difficult to pick the right people based on a brief exam.
Also, a particular psychological quality might be an advantage for one type of work, but a disadvantage for another.
The Examination Yuan must create a database of psychological traits required by different types of jobs and establish a baseline for each position and level. By comparing applicants’ psychological test results against such a baseline, the government would be able to understand whether they are suitable for the jobs they are applying for.
Next, the government should reform its training and promotion systems to encourage employees to enhance their mental fortitude. The psychological qualities required to serve as a junior, intermediate or senior-level civil servant are not the same.
However, the curriculum does not provide psychological training for next-level posts.
Psychological tests should also be integrated with the assessment of the related training and promotion systems.
Although an intermediate-level civil servant might have completed the training necessary for a promotion to senior level, if their mental state does not fully meet the baseline of a good senior employee, the training system should offer courses on improving their mental fortitude. That person should not be promoted until they pass all the courses.
The high-tech industry has long incorporated psychological tests in talent recruitment, to reduce training costs while boosting industrial efficiency.
Today, the functions required by modern civil servants are different from those required by officials who were selected through the imperial examination system of the past. Therefore, national examinations should be adjusted in a timely manner.
Liu Chao-lung is an associate professor in National Changhua University of Education’s Department of Public Affairs and Civic Education.
Translated by Eddy Chang
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