erj Eurasian Research Journal 2519-2442 2519-2442 Khoja Akhmet Yassawi International Kazakh-Turkish University Regional Studies Bölgesel Çalışmalar HYBRID GOVERNANCE AND CIVIL SERVICE REFORM IN KAZAKHSTAN https://orcid.org/0009-0003-6382-9553 Yerbatyrov Meirambek Karaganda University of Kazpotrebsoyuz https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1341-3563 Zhetpisbayeva Mukhtarima Karaganda University of Kazpotrebsoyuz https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0435-6827 Vladimirov Zhelyu Sofia University St Kliment Ohridski 05 01 2026 8 2 203 221 10 27 2025 04 23 2026 Copyright © 2019, Eurasian Research Journal 2019 Eurasian Research Journal

This study examines the hybridization of Kazakhstan’s civil service through the integration of career-based and position-based governance principles. Using regional administrative data from twelve territorial departments of the Agency of the Republic of Kazakhstan for Civil Service Affairs, two quantitative indicators, the external inflow share and the source balance index, were developed to measure institutional permeability and recruitment diversity. Statistical and cluster analyses revealed significant regional disparities in the degree of hybridization, with economically advanced regions demonstrating greater openness to external talent. The strong correlation between external inflow shares and source balance index confirms a systemic link between administrative openness and structural adaptability. The findings contribute to the empirical operationalization of hybrid governance and provide evidence-based insights for refining recruitment strategies and promoting institutional modernization within Kazakhstan’s public administration.

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