FEVS ANALYSIS: MERIT SYSTEM PRINCIPLES
Merit-based values in the federal workplace were created with a specific purpose in mind. Ideally, these values are designed to uphold and apply key principles in all decisions made when it comes to hiring, compensation, recognition, performance management, training, and retention. These values, the merit system principles, originate from The Civil Service Reform Act of 1978. This introduced the principles as national policy to provide a productive workforce and maintain a high level of quality to public service.
Specifically, the Merit System Principles are the standard for ensuring equal treatment and opportunity for all federal employees. Agencies are required by law to observe and implement merit system principles without exception.
Furthermore, agency leadership is responsible for the framework and uncover behavioral differences in employee perceptions of merit-based treatment and steps to correct and overcome those differences. The merit system principles characterize the expected results of ethical management.
With the help of FedViews, we empower agencies to uncover differences in employee perceptions of merit-based treatment and take steps to correct those differences. To illustrate, we asked federal employees questions to gauge the effectiveness of the merit system principles.
Using the FEVS Analysis, here’s what we discovered:
- Perception- When asked, federal employees’ perception of merit system principles, there was a 6% increase in positivity over the course of five years. However, minority employee perception rates only increased about 5% for the same time period.
- Misuse of Authority – In particular, the most recent numbers show, 59% of minority employees said they were less likely to agree that misuse of authority is not tolerated in federal agencies. This suggests that employees feel that equal treatment in recruitment, hiring, and advancement leaves room for improvement.
Discrimination – When it comes to prohibited personnel practices, 75% of non-minority employees feel discrimination and known violations are not tolerated. However, only 52% of minorities agree that discrimination and other prohibited personnel practices are not tolerated.- Political Persuasion – In today’s political climate, actions like favoritism and coercion for political purposes are not tolerated. In fact, only 55% of non-minorities feel this type of conduct is not evident within the agency, while only 44% of minorities agree.
Employee perceptions provide agencies with valuable information necessary to commit to merit-based treatment for all. Regardless of demographic status, merit system principles should ensure every federal employee they will be treated equally in the workplace.
Learn more about Fedviews as a way to highlight opportunities that build, embrace, and retain employees based on the essential values of the Merit System Principles.
