Apart from integrity, there is need for empathy.

Dear Frieda, this is an interesting question. The person being hired might be of the country's descent or a foreigner (for instance an immigrant, expat or refugee). I assume that important characteristics should be as Emmanuel said integrity and empathy also proven leadership qualities and the ability to negotiate, keep peace and mediate. It is furthermore important that this person has cultural skills. All the best, Carl

In a welcome departure from the mantra of dedication, resilience, trustworthiness, etc., Apolitical—a global network for government—has distilled ten qualities that [should] characterize the new breed of people working in government today. They are:

• Capitalizing on the scale of government
• Understanding power
• Calculating risk
• Harnessing citizens’ knowledge
• Leading collaboratively
• Embracing new technology
• Systems thinking
• Strategic storytelling
• A sense of timing
• Promiscuous learning

PS: The post, dated 11 February 2016, from which the list was sourced is at https://apolitical.co/solution_article/ten-traits-modern-public-servant/.

Dear @Oliver Serrat,

Thanks for the link. There is good info.

Frieda

Dear Dr. @ Steinmetz,

Thanks for your valuable comment.

Frieda

Dear Emmanuel,

Empathy is importation. Thanks for your comment.

Frieda

Dear Dr. Mah,

In my country, India, a good number of talented persons are available. We do not need any import of talented person from outside.

But condition of India is not so good. In Government service at least, talent or intelligence is not given any importance. Entry of talent in Govt. jobs is very difficult, as officially 50% of all posts are kept reserved for persons on caste ( race) basis. They do not require any open competition with others. A large section (may be another 40%) enter in the service following some curved route, as per idea of some senior persons . Corruption is widespread here.

The promotions to higher posts are also do not depend in quality.

So, the output of Govt. sector in India is .... you guess what can be.

Thanks.

I agree with you 100% but it is difficult to get such a person

What is your opinion about a government officer's criteria?

The above question reminds me the motto of a Chinese School called Confucian in Malaysia whereby its motto can be the criteria of a government officer: 勤、朴、勇、毅

In English: Diligence, Simplicity, Bravery, Resoluteness

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Confucian_Private_Secondary_School

The criteria for selection is really horrible here in India..........the whole system is still in dark....

The important criteria has been highlighted in the question. In Nigeria, public official in most cases do not lacked the knowledge, experience, etc, but what is lacking is the noble morality . This include, lack of transparency and accountability and honesty, lackadaisical attitude to work, self- centered, nepotism, greed, bread high rate of corruption among public officers. The efforts at curbing corruption are met with a brick wall due to lack of political- will on the part of the government, inherent institutional structures that makes change impossible, societal value for wealth even when the source can not be ascertained, among others. The noble morality is inevitable in solving most of the developmental challenged confronting the developing countries. They constitute part of our cultural values in Nigeria.The missing point is the attitude to make things work by inculcating and exhibiting the right values.

A government employee must have a clean soul: honesty, commitment, technical mastery, ethics, social respect, work strategies and above all, "persistence and claw" to overcome the difficulties usually associated bureaucratic obstacles.

Agree with Dr.Han Ping Fung.

Dear @Dr. Pattanayak,

Thanks for your comment. I hear you. I also learned how badly the situation is from the other resources. Under this, many mistakes generated. It does not hurt self but also generated many victims. Even, I am one of them.

Any country's change from themselves. Let's pray for a positive change.

Best Regards,

Frieda

Dear @Borden, @Vishnu, Dr. Fung, @Shibani, Dr. Asaju, Dr. Pereira, Dr. Alshamsi,and Dr. Salihu,

Thanks for all of your heartfelt comments.

It seems that everyone thinks the moral is important. I know some business owners when he selects his successor, moral has more weight than intelligent. Indeed, without moral, the intelligence can be used to do the harm things that hurt the whole group, but only benefit himself and his small group.

Though most political parties made many mistakes in many countries. If the general public without taking action to make a change, the mistake can keep forever. Some leaders go to aboard to become an influenced person then, go back to make a change. Some in their local to accumulate followers to make a change. Without actions taking, there is no hope.

China has many people and businessmen, businesswomen come out to support meaningful TV programs such as encourage the superior government officers and support their proposed proposals to improve their local economic development programs, invite famous speakers to stimulate young students to work hard to make contributions in the future, etc.

Best Wishes,

Frieda

Dear Frieda Mah,

In my country, Portugal, a good number of talented persons are available. So, in principle, we do not need any import of talented person from outside. There is a problem, however, with these talented persons, mainly in the political field. This field is pervaded by corruption and, say, inbreeding, which is a sad reality. LIke Zhude Liang, I believe that a talented person should not only possess knowledge and expertise, but should also have noble morality, to not seek personal reputaion, to dare to get criticism, be loyal and intererested in the true, the good, and be beautiful.

Best regards,

Orlando

Dear Dr. Lourenco,

You are absolutely right. And your country's situation is quite common in the world. The only change is from the general public or an individual to start. Like throw a stone floating touch and passing the water, to make a continuously circles in order to wake up people. You are more than qualified to do so. Trust yourself!

Chinese has a saying: "There is no difficulty in the world, only afraid a person has the determined person to do it." (天下無難事，只怕有心人。)

If you are interested, we can discuss.

Frieda

A very beautiful question. One of the universal social ills in today' world is government officials' distance from moral values. The well being and happiness of a country lies in the degree of its officials' commitment to moral criteria. As an illustration, one of the main reasons behind the tremendous progress of China is the government's zero tolerance of embezzlement and corruption. Notably, the first principle in human life should be our awareness of the fact that all reality hinges on moral foundations because moral criteria constitute a universal base without which a nation cannot prosper.

Dear Dr. Biria,

You are right!

Frieda

Dear Frieda, if a government employee does not poses honesty, morality and is not working for the welfare of the community, then his talent is not so important. But, it is hard to find this kind of people.

Kind regards,

Janusheva

Dear Dr. Janusheva,

I agree with you.

Best Regards,

Frieda

Excellent contributions on this discussion.