Resumen

RODRIGUEZ BARRIONUEVO, Fabián Alexander. Obese State and Institutional Strengthening: A Technical Approach from Human Talent Management. Impulso [online]. 2025, vol.5, n.11, pp.525-536.  Epub 02-Jul-2025. ISSN 2959-9040.  https://doi.org/10.59659/impulso.v.5i11.160.

This study analyzes the concept of the "obese state" as a discursive construction used to justify policies aimed at reducing the size of the public sector in Ecuador, examining its implications for institutional strengthening from a human talent management perspective. Through a documentary and comparative analysis covering the period 2015-2025, it is evident that the implementation of “state slimming” policies has led to institutional weakening, increased citizen insecurity, and deterioration of public services. The research examines the evolution of key indicators, such as citizen security, where Ecuador fell from 17th to 1st in crime victimization in Latin America, coinciding with the dismantling of specialized institutions beginning in 2017. Professional incompatibility in ministerial appointments is analyzed as a manifestation of the true “obese state,” characterized by the selection of officials without specific technical competencies for their positions. The study compares socio-economic indicators between Ecuador and Chile, showing that countries with strengthened public institutions achieve better outcomes in human development, citizen security, and corruption control. The results demonstrate that institutional strengthening based on technical human talent management criteria is a fundamental condition for state efficiency and sustainable development. The study concludes that the concept of the “obese state” lacks solid theoretical foundation and that its practical application has produced counterproductive effects on Ecuadorian democratic governance.

Palabras clave : Obese state; Institutional strengthening; Human talent management; Public administration; Public policies; Governance.

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