The dissertation presents a theoretical generalization and a new solution of an important scientific problem in the field of public administration regarding the definition of theoretical and methodological and conceptual foundations for the formation of a management elite in accordance with the meritocratic principle, and proposes innovative ways of forming the governing elite in Ukraine.
The research carried out an analysis of scientific approaches to the concept of "meritocracy", a historical analysis of the development of meritocracy in the world. It is substantiated that the meritocratic principle in the selection of management personnel appears in the early selection of talented individuals who have managerial abilities, charisma, high level of intelligence, communication abilities, and also are honest, responsible, impartial with their own personal core. The principle of meritocracy in the system of formation of a management elite is manifested in equal access to the system of public administration of all professionally trained persons with a high level of moral qualities that have been appropriately selected and have experience in management activities.
The study substantiated that meritocracy as a mechanism for the formation of a governing elite is the selection of the able candidates for the management elite, their promotion and development. In addition, meritocracy understands such a system for the formation of a management elite through standardized exams (tests, relevant evaluation systems) that relates to the best talents, important professional skills and knowledge, and the level of intelligence. The elite is a part of a society that has certain material and material assets and influences significant decisions in society and the state. The managerial elite is a part of the elite with professional training, work experience and reputational capital, working on political positions and positions of category "A" of the civil service, have a range of managerial powers and influence the formation and implementation of state policy. The formation of a management elite is a set of mechanisms for the development and improvement of the personnel potential of professional staff working in political positions and positions of the category "A" of the civil service, have a range of managerial powers and influence the formation and implementation of state policy.
The author analyzed the main functions of the management elite and states that the main functions of the management elite should also include: firstly, the formation of a qualitative composition of the public administration system, including motivational function - this motivates the personnel to achieve certain goals and tasks that put the elite; second, the formation of the image of the state and state authorities; Thirdly, the conflict-related function is conflict management, minimization of the consequences of conflicts, acts as a mediator in the system of public administration.
