HYBRID GOVERNANCE AND CIVIL SERVICE REFORM IN KAZAKHSTAN

Year 2026, Volume: 8 Issue: 2 , 203 - 221 , 01.05.2026

Meirambek Yerbatyrov Mukhtarima Zhetpisbayeva Zhelyu Vladimirov

https://izlik.org/JA84KD56AZ

Abstract

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.

Keywords

Hybrid governance , Civil service reform , Institutional adaptability , Recruitment diversity , Kazakhstan.

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