CPAf holds first installment to the Crossroads Conversations Series

The College of Public Affairs and Development (CPAf) hosted its first Crossroads Conversations, a first installment to the international expert lecture series, last March 24,2025 at the CPAf Multipurpose Hall and via Youtube live, discussing the Mexican Merit System.

“The Mexican Merit System is a cornerstone for promoting transparency, motivation, and the advancement of outstanding talent across the nation…It’s also useful to benchmark our own system of merit selection and rewards promotion that we use to get the best and brightest among our ranks.” said Assoc. Prof. Bello.

The discussion proper was led by Dr. Claudia N. Avellaneda, Professor at O’Neill School of Public & Environmental Affairs, Indiana University, USA. Dr. Avellaneda’s lecture revolved around the implementation of the Mexican Merit System and how this framework enhances governmental performance through strengthened impartiality, fairness, and professionalization.

In their study, Dr. Avellaneda specifically focused on the merit system’s effects on gender parity at the workplace in Mexico. In their analysis, it was found that women overperform men on most sections of job evaluations. However, men were still more likely to be hired over women, displaying gender biases in the workplace.

She emphasized that since the merit system’s implementation in 2004, despite the still persisting gender disparity in the workforce, women are now steadily reclaiming job opportunities over time, especially for positions of department heads and assistant directors, showcasing the gradual improvement this system presents in providing equal opportunities.

In line with this, Dr. Avellaneda stressed that implementing small changes across time in society leads to better outcomes for systemic shifts such as this and it should always be accompanied by innovation and commitment from the implementing bodies.

“It takes time for us to adjust and usually when we implement incremental changes, it is more likely to be accepted in a society. It takes time but we have to continue doing it.” stated Dr. Avellaneda.

After the open forum moderated by Dr. Cynthia Remedios V. De Guia, the session was formally closed by Center for Strategic Planning and Policy Studies (CSPPS) Director, Dr. Hadji C. Jalotjot. In his closing remarks, Dr. Jalotjot emphasized that the achievement of equity remains complex and a nuanced challenge.

The next Crossroads Conversations Series will feature Dr. Rebecca Spence of the School of Environmental and Rural Science, University of New England, Australia and her topic on gender mainstreaming. For more updates, visit CPAf’s official Facebook page @cpafuplb.