(b) The merit principle of employment includes the following:

1. (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. (2) regular integrated salary programs based on the nature of the work performed;
3. (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. (4) equal treatment of applicants and employees with regard only to consideration within the merit principles of employment; and
5. (5) selection and retention of an employee's position secure from political influences.