Search

In recent years, Kazakhstan has demonstrated a strong commitment to make the civil service system open and transparent to its citizens. The country has introduced an e-government system to improve access to information and allow public consultation on civil service. Reforms of the civil service aim to reduce corruption in the civil service and to ensure a transition to a career-based model, meritocracy, and result-based remuneration.

The civil service in the Republic of Kazakhstan is undergoing significant transformations in response to emerging demands and challenges. This study investigates the factors influencing civil service development effectiveness, focusing on both internal and external comparative analyses. We identify critical determinants shaping the civil service system, utilizing secondary data and expert interviews (N=24). Key findings highlight that political will is essential for fostering a modern civil service aligned with fundamental principles of transparency, accountability, and efficiency. Despite some progress in anti-corruption measures and regulatory quality, obstacles still need to be addressed, including a lack of transparency in processes and issues related to employee remuneration and work conditions. Furthermore, political stability and social factors, such as the professionalization of the civil service and the attractiveness of public sector careers, significantly impact reform outcomes. Economic considerations, including wage disparities and budgetary constraints, also play a crucial role. Finally, technological advancements present opportunities and challenges, particularly in digital transformation and e-government initiatives. This study emphasizes the need for comprehensive strategies that address these diverse factors to enhance the effectiveness and resilience of Kazakhstan's civil service. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article examines the benefits and drawbacks associated with distance/online learning in Kazakhstan during the COVID-19 pandemic. The responses of the 31,300 parents surveyed, as well as in-depth interviews with 65 parents, are used to construct several regression models to better understand how parents perceive the educational quality of distance/online learning in today's circumstances. The regression results show that the age of the parent and the level of family income are positively correlated with the parents' level of satisfaction with the provided distance/online learning, while the number of children in a family is negatively related to the parents' satisfaction with the learning process. The study finds a statistically significant association between parents' satisfaction with the quality of education and their assessment of teachers' competencies, and the level of government readiness to switch to the distance/online learning format.

The article analyzes the factors that impact corruption perception at individual levels. Based on a survey of 12,010 Kazakhstanis, the study investigates people's assessment of corruption in Kazakhstan and their attitudes toward government anticorruption policy. The result reveals that, on average, the population perceives that a high rate of corruption exists in Kazakhstan. Simultaneously, the regression analysis shows that there are three main determinants that affect people's perception of corruption. First, and most saliently, regional and cultural backgrounds do have an impact on people's perception of corruption levels. In addition, the study results reveal that among the participants' demographic and social qualifiers, the education level has considerable influence in driving perceptions. Finally, the findings point out that actual experience with corruption play a significant role in forming views regarding the overall level of corruption in the country. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]