Comparative patterns of elite recruitment: Israel, Egypt, Lebanon

Abstract

Part one of this paper is devoted to a genera! critique of elite
studies. Attention is called to theoretical and methodological shortcomings,
as well as to the paucity in comparative elite analysis which
is thought of as the most promising avenue of development in elite
theory. The paper then proceeds to study cross nationally approximately
400 ministerial elites in Israel, Egypt, and Lebanon by the use
of factor analytic and path analytic techniques. Specifically, two
hypotheses have been tested comparatively: III Societal characteristics.
values and aspirations tend to be reflected in recruitment
patterns, thereby shaping the collective profile of the elite; and
(2| Salient social background characteristics—of ministers—socializational
and associational—influence tenure in cabinet office.
In hypothesis 2, tenure in high office is treated as the focal point of
the elite circulation process. Tenure is conceived of as a dynamic and
theoretically potent variable. It is posited that tenure in cabinet is influenced
by psychological attributes of leaders, as well as by systemic
and situational variables which include the associational determinants
found in the social backgrounds of ministerial elites.
To test hypothesis 2, the tri-country recruitment data was used to
develop causal models based on standardized regression coefficients.
It was discovered that tenure was significantly (46%—57% influenced
by social background characteristics in the three countries.
The path models further suggested that longevity in high office may
be more strongly influenced by a leader’s associational affiliation
(social background) rather than personal attributes.
A methodological discussion of the equivalence problem and suggestions
for further comparative elite research conclude the paper.