Marked by Merit
ith the 1978 Civil Service Reform Act, Congress wrote into law nine fundamental merit principles that govern the U.S. civil service system. The Merit Systems Protection Board, through its adjudicatory and research functions, is charged with upholding these principles and, in doing so, maintaining the integrity of the federal government. The principles are:
- Recruit qualified individuals from all segments of society and select and advance employees on the basis of merit after fair and open competition.
- Treat employees and applicants fairly and equitably, without regard to political affiliation, race, color, religion, national origin, sex, marital status, age or handicapping condition.
- Provide equal pay for equal work and reward excellent performance.
- Maintain high standards of integrity, conduct and concern for the public interest.
- Manage employees efficiently and effectively.
- Retain or separate employees on the basis of their performance.
- Educate and train employees when it will result in better organizational or individual performance.
- Protect employees from improper political influence.
- Protect employees against reprisal for the lawful disclosure of information in "whistleblower" situations (i.e., protect people who report illegal and/or wasteful activities).
Source: Section 2301 (b) of Title 5, United States Code.
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