What is meant by "politicization" of the bureaucracy?

The term "politicization" of the bureaucracy refers to the influence of political motives on the hiring and operation of bureaucratic agencies. This means that decisions regarding appointments, policies, and operations within these agencies can be affected by political considerations rather than solely by objective criteria or professional qualifications. When bureaucratic positions are filled with individuals based on their political affiliations or loyalty rather than their expertise or experience, it can lead to a skewed implementation of policies that align with specific political agendas.

This phenomenon can undermine the effectiveness and neutrality of bureaucratic agencies, which are originally designed to function independently from political pressure to ensure fair and efficient administration of public services. In contexts where politicization occurs, the integrity of the bureaucracy is often questioned, as it may prioritize political objectives over public interest.

The other options describe different aspects of bureaucracy but do not capture the essence of politicization. For instance, hiring based on administrative qualifications emphasizes professional meritocracy rather than political influence, neutrality refers to the expected impartiality of agencies, and public accountability focuses on responsibility to the public rather than political motivations.