Final answer:
The seniority system can be based on employee performance, length of service, educational qualifications, and job-specific skills. The merit system focuses on hiring employees based on their knowledge, skills, and abilities relevant to the job. Hiring decisions should avoid discrimination, adhering to regulations established by the EEOC.
Step-by-step explanation:
The seniority system is a concept that employers may use to protect employees from managerial abuse and make the bureaucracy more efficient. It typically includes criteria such as employee performance, length of service, educational qualifications, and job-specific skills. However, when we talk about the merit system, the focus shifts to hiring based on the knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSAs) that are required for the position. For instance, a budget analyst should possess KSAs like experience with financial systems, knowledge of budgetary regulations and policies, and demonstrated skills in budget administration.
To combat hiring discrimination, laws in the United States enforced by the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) ensure that decisions should not be based on group membership criteria like age, race, or other characteristics unrelated to job performance. However, in regards to higher-level federal positions such as senior executive service roles, applicants must demonstrate executive core qualifications (ECQs) including leadership capabilities and other role-specific expertise.