Final answer:
The Meritocracy model is used to hire and promote workers based on qualifications and performance, favoring merit over other factors like seniority or personal connections. This system is integral in bureaucratic efficiency and promotes social mobility, though it sometimes causes bureaucracies to be less politically responsive.
Step-by-step explanation:
The model used to hire and promote workers based on their qualifications and performance is known as the Meritocracy model. This system emphasizes the importance of individual ability and achievement, often measured through education, experience, and performance evaluations. It contrasts with other practices like the seniority model, random selection model, and nepotism, which rely on factors other than merit. The merit system is grounded in the principle that the most qualified and competent individuals should be selected for positions, which can lead to bureaucratic efficiency and effectiveness. However, it can sometimes be less responsive to political change due to the independent nature of the hired employees.
In historical context, the "spoils system" was based on party loyalty instead of merit, which meant that jobs and promotions were given as rewards for political support rather than based on qualifications. Transitioning from a spoils system to a meritocracy tends to protect employees from managerial abuse and increases social mobility, as seen in the case of bureaucracies aiming to serve public interest effectively.