Merit, excellence, and intelligence (MEI) is an organizational framework that emphasizes selecting candidates based solely on their merit, achievements, skills, abilities, intelligence and contributions. It has been embraced by opponents of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), a framework that seeks to rectify social inequalities through affirmative action.
Companies that have substituted their DEI programs for MEI include: Toyota, Meta, McDonald's, Walmart, Ford, Harley-Davidson, John Deere, Nissan, Tractor Supply Company, Amazon, and Boeing.
History The acronym of merit, excellence, and intelligence (MEI) was coined by Alexandr Wang, co-founder and CEO of Scale AI in a June 2024 blog post named “Meritocracy at Scale”.
While DEI opponents have praised his stance, Wang in his blog post said that he "strongly disagree[s]" with there being any conflict between meritocracy and diversity.
Criticism Criticism against MEI initiatives are largely based on a view that it does not adequately address issues of discrimination in employment, with many DEI advocates feeling that it does not recognize human biases in hiring that may lead to a less diverse and more homogenous workplace environment. Some critics believe that MEI overlooks "systemic barriers that persist [...]" and that it "marginaliz[es] those who do not fit into a homogenous, heteronormative mold", as a framework that is "pervasive among some white men in power who believe they deserve their privilege". It has additionally been criticised on the grounds that the "merit" described in MEI does not have a universal definition.
See also
Achievement ideology Civil service entrance examination Discrimination of excellence Diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) EU Concours Executive Order 14151 Human resources Meritocracy Social mobility Students for Fair Admissions v. Harvard
References
External links
Meritocracy at Scale (Alexandr Wang, blog post, June 13, 2024)