> A genuine meritocracy would... You have it right there, most businesses that claim to favor meritocracy actually favored signalling / credentials / pedigree.

> A genuine meritocracy would... You have it right there, most businesses that claim to favor meritocracy actually favored signalling / credentials / pedigree. Why? Maybe they assume credentials are a good proxy measurement for capability. Regardless, I don't think people are capable of evaluating people more capable than themselves. Kind of like Dunning Kruger at work, or how a writer isn't capable of writing a character more intelligent / capable than themself. So, the only place where you can find 'genuine meritocracy' is where the most capable and individuals have not only risen to the top, but also haven't succumbed to the Peter Principle along the way. These are highly creative and adaptable. They aren't afraid of making and learning from mistakes. Rare. All that to say, just because meritocracy is hard and most businesses fail to achieve it in any meaningful form, doesn't mean it does not exist, nor does it mean it isn't worth striving for