Motivation for civil service jobs in Bangladesh: Implications of the Weberian model of social stratification

This sociological study explores the motivations of newly appointed Bangladesh Civil Service (BCS) officials, applying Max Weber’s theory of social stratification, which considers class, status, and power dynamics. The current study provides valuable insights into the relationship between motivation for civil service jobs and the implications of Max Weber’s seminal theory of social stratification. Based on a survey conducted in 2023 with 562 newly recruited members of BCS undergoing the mandatory six-month-long 75th Foundation Training Course (FTC) at Bangladesh Public Administration Training Centre (BPATC), the study identifies economic security and monetary benefits (class), professional and social superiority (status), and the opportunity to exercise authority (power) act as significant motivators for joining the civil service in Bangladesh. It also emphasizes the need for policy changes to create more opportunities for young, educated individuals in the civil service and suggests potential consequences of the heightened desire to join the civil service.