U.S. Office of Personnel Management - Ensuring the Federal Government has an effective civilian workforce

Agencies Begin Move Toward
Results-Based Performance for the SES

Washington , D.C.   --  A report issued recently by the U.S. Office of Personnel Management provides evidence that federal agencies have made only minor advances in their efforts to evaluate and reward government’s top cadre of career managers based on their performance and the impact they are having on their organizations’ results.  

In fiscal year 2001, for example, agencies reported a 2 percent drop over the previous fiscal year in the number of Senior Executive Service members who received a performance rating at the highest levels permitted by their agencies.  

In addition, the number of performance awards agencies granted to SES members in fiscal year 2001 was 1.4 percent less than the previous fiscal year.  

OPM Director Kay Coles James has urged agencies to take performance management seriously, make realistic results-based assessments of SES performance, and recognize and reward SES members whose work is truly outstanding.  

Between 2000 and 2001, agencies having the largest percentage drop in executives being rated at the highest level were the Federal Emergency Management Agency (59 percent), OPM (53 percent) and the U.S. Agency for International Development (16 percent).  

 “I believe we have yet to see a significant shift toward results-based appraisals and greater accountability,” said James. “However, as agency executives are held to higher accountability levels for successful implementation of the President’s Management Agenda, I am confident the performance issues will be resolved.

“Having served 19 months under this Administration, agency leaders have a greater appreciation for President Bush’s determination to make government results-oriented, citizen-centered and market-based. Agency leaders understand this commitment. I expect them to evaluate their SES members’ performance in terms of organizational results, and to recognize and reward the government’s truly exceptional performers.”  

One of the human capital priorities of the Bush Administration is to create a performance culture that motivates employees, including senior executives, and makes meaningful distinctions between levels of performance. A key element of this initiative is the effective use of performance appraisal and bonus systems to drive organizational results. During the first quarter of 2003, agency SES appraisal ratings will be a factor taken into account for the development of the President’s Management Agenda scores.  

OPM oversees the federal work force and provides the American public with up-to-date employment information. OPM also supports U.S. agencies with personnel services and policy leadership including staffing tools, guidance on labor-management relations and programs to improve work force performance.