The term meritocracy is defined as:
d. A bureaucracy where membership and advancement is based on proven and documented skills.
In a meritocracy, individuals are rewarded and advanced based on their abilities and achievements, rather than on their social status or other non-performance related factors. This system is often seen as fair and efficient, promoting the best qualified individuals and providing everyone with an equal opportunity to succeed based on their own merit.
Here's a brief explanation of the other options:
a. A status-based regime in which advancement is unlikely. This is not a meritocracy. In a status-based regime, advancement is based on one's social status, not on their skills or achievements.
b. The removal of personal feelings from a professional situation. This is more related to professionalism than meritocracy. It's about keeping personal emotions separate from work-related decisions.
c. The authoritarian devalue of an employee. This is not related to meritocracy. It refers to a situation where an employee is undervalued or disrespected by an authoritarian figure or system.