Center for Human Resources Management
Center Events - Proceedings

HR Directors Series, July 31, 2002

The Center for Human Resources Management hosted the fourth HR Directors Series Luncheon on July 31, 2002. The topic was the recently completed Academy Panel study done at the request of the Second Commission on the Public Service (Volcker Commission). Center Director Myra Howze Shiplett opened the meeting by introducing Hannah Sistare, executive director for the commission, and Frank Cipolla, project director for the Academy Panel's work.

Ms. Sistare summarized the work of the commission to date, and outlined what remains to be accomplished before the final report is issued at the end of this year. Mr. Cipolla discussed the work performed by the panel in support of the commission.

The Panel examined more than 30 reports issued by the Academy since 1991 and identified 22 of them that contained issues and recommendations relevant to the work of the Commission. These studies addressed significant workforce issues, including recruitment, retention, competitive pay, performance management, development, and leadership.

Some of the issues raised during the Academy Panel study were:

• How should a career in the civil service be defined?
• How important is tenure in the civil service system?
• Will "at will employment" and "at risk pay" work in the public sector?
• Is the federal government a single employer?

After asking these critical questions, Mr. Cipolla summarized the recommendations of the Academy Panel. The research indicates that the following areas of reform should receive priority attention:

• Develop a new, flexible system for defining and valuing work.
• Improve manager's capability to achieve a high-performance work environment.
• Continue to simplify and improve the hiring process.
• Instill a continuous learning philosophy as the basis for all training and development activities.
• Institute a corporate approach to managing succession, leader development, and restructure the Senior Executive Service.

A lively discussion ensued with participants offering their support to many of the recommendations and providing additional comments for consideration by the Commission. During the roundtable discussion, participants were asked to pick the single initiative that, if adopted, would have the greatest impact in improving the current system. This led to a further discussion of issues related to performance and pay, specifically broad banding pay initiatives that are currently underway in several agencies.

To access the Academy Panel report, go to www.napawash.org.

For further information on the commission, go to www.brookings.edu/volcker.

The next HR Directors Luncheon will be held on October 23, 2002, and the topic will be an Academy Panel's study of the Senior Executive Service. Watch your e-mail for your invitation to this event.

For questions about the series, please contact Catherine Garcia by e-mail at cgarcia@napawash.org or by phone at 202-347-3190. We look forward to seeing you at our next meeting.