You’re on the right track, I think. But, I wouldn’t say it’s about the pay to attract competent workers. I think it has more to do with the incentive structures once you’re in. Incentives and performance management are fundamental problem in civil service. The incentives to set high standards and hold individuals accountable simply do not exist.
The one and only exception is the military, because lives are literally on the line in a way that is not at all abstract.
The one and only exception is the military, because lives are literally on the line in a way that is not at all abstract.