| Abstract [eng] |
This Master’s thesis analyses career models within Lithuania’s executive triangle – politicians, administrators, and advisers. The first part of this work examines the theoretical aspects of career models within the executive triangle. It analyses the concept of executive power, the structure and roles of the executive triangle, the concept of career, and the diversity of career models in the context of public governance. This section also discusses the factors shaping career models, as well as models applied in Lithuania and foreign countries and their characteristics. The second part presents the research methodology applied in the study of executive triangle career models in Lithuania, including the theoretical framework, research strategy and design, applied methods, and the organization and course of the research. A mixed-methods approach was employed, combining document content analysis, statistical data analysis, and correlational analysis (calculation of Cramér’s V coefficient). The third part presents the results of the empirical study. It analyses the career situation of politicians, administrators, and advisers within Lithuania’s public governance institutions, their characteristics and dynamics, and relationships with factors shaping career models (legal, organizational, personal, political, etc.). Characteristic of each group’s career model are identified, and directions for the development of career models are outlined. The findings reveal that the career system of the Lithuanian executive power triangle can be classified as an integrated/mixed career model: alongside the traditional hierarchical career model, more flexible principles based on competencies and mobility are increasingly taking hold. Different groups within the executive power triangle exhibit different elements of career models. Politicians’ careers more often correspond to the characteristics of boundaryless or protean career models – they are fragmented, cyclical, and dependent on political networks, party affiliation, political capital, and movement between sectors. Administrators’ careers display features of an integrated/mixed model – entry into these positions is usually based on accumulated expert knowledge and intersectoral experience, while career trajectories remain relatively more stable. Meanwhile, advisers’ careers most closely correspond to the traditional career model, characterised by greater stability, institutional experience, and consistent, linear professional advancement. Career models applied within the executive triangle are characterised by limited flexibility and do not always ensure long-term institutional stability. Changes in political cycles result in high turnover among members of the executive triangle, which affects process continuity and the stability of executive triangle career models. The study also highlights aspects of gender inequality and the dominance of major cities. It was established that the career trajectories of politicians, advisers, and administrators are significantly influenced by political cycles and political trust. The politicisation process in Lithuania is shaped not only by formal party affiliation but also by broader informal networks and familiarity with the political environment, particularly in positions based on political (personal) trust. A substantial share of executive triangle positions is occupied by individuals coming from the private sector, which is not typical of Western European experience. The greatest differences among executive triangle groups emerged in indicators of political experience, career stability, and sectoral mobility, while the smallest differences were observed in demographic factors (education, age, etc.). It's recommended to strengthen career planning, professionalism, and the stability of public governance institutions, increasing transparency, applying competency-based human resource management, and reducing the impact of political cycles. |
