Section 39.25.010 - Purpose of chapter(a) It is the purpose of this chapter to establish a system of personnel administration based upon the merit principle and adapted to the requirements of the state to the end that persons best qualified to perform the functions of the state will be employed, and that an effective career service will be encouraged, developed and maintained.(b) The merit principle of employment includes the following: (1) recruiting, selecting, and advancing employees on the basis of their relative ability, knowledge, and skills, including open consideration of qualified applicants for initial appointment;(2) regular integrated salary programs based on the nature of the work performed;(3) retention of employees with permanent status on the basis of the adequacy of their performance, reasonable efforts of temporary duration for correction in inadequate performance, and separation for cause;(4) equal treatment of applicants and employees with regard only to consideration within the merit principles of employment; and(5) selection and retention of an employee's position secure from political influences.