Management

USDA Continues Its Descent in Engagement Ratings

The Agriculture Department retained its position as second to worst large agency in the Partnership for Public Service’s annual rankings of Best Places to Work in the Federal Government.

Management

Viewpoint: Rising Suspensions and Debarments Among Federal Contractors Is Good News for Taxpayers

In 2019, the Labor Department issued 125 suspensions and 130 debarments, a significant increase over the last several years combined.

Management

Data Evangelists Spread the Word on Boosting Government Performance

A recent gathering of state and local officials had the feel of an old time revival.

Management

Congress Will Not Block Mandated Union Contracts in Spending Bill

In a blow to labor groups, a provision blocking the implementation of collective bargaining agreements that have not been “mutually agreed to” by all parties does not appear in the final spending legislation.

Management

House Clears Full-Year 2020 Spending, Sending Shutdown-Averting Bills to Senate

White House says Trump would sign the $1.4 trillion measures that would boost funding for most agencies and provide a 3.1% pay raise to civilian feds.

Management

Analysis: How McKinsey Makes Its Own Rules

The consulting giant, which likes to compare itself to the Marines and the Catholic Church, has a habit of disregarding rules and norms in its government work.

Management

Analysis: In Impeachment Spotlight, Dueling Views of Professionalism Appear

Public officials are now in the spotlight: Does the public view them as professionals, bound by duty, or as elites who invoke ideals while pursuing their own agendas?

Management

How You Can Get Better at Picking Creative Ideas

"We're probably all killing a lot of our best ideas early in the creative process without knowing it."

Management

Experts Praise New Acquisition Workforce Training Requirements

The “significant” provisions will align the public and private sectors, said one.

Management

Census Still Has More Steps to Take to Ensure It Doesn't Hire More Child Sex Offenders, IG Says

The agency hired a registered sex offender earlier this year, who was arrested for engaging in a sexual act with a child two months later.

Management

Lawmakers Reach Year-Long Funding Deal 'In Principle'

Most agencies are in line for spending bumps over fiscal 2019 levels thanks to a budget deal President Trump signed into law earlier this year.

Management

It’s Time to Reform Intelligence Community Hiring Practices

“We have got to figure out how we can compete for talent more efficiently and effectively,” said Erin Reitkopp, human capital program manager at ODNI.

Management

EEOC Formally Proposes Ending Official Time for Union Reps

Federal employee unions have decried the effort to strip labor representatives of the right to use official time to help prepare discrimination complaints as an erosion of employee protections.

Management

‘Blue’ Space: Access to Water Features Can Boost City Dwellers’ Mental Health

Research into public health benefits of integrating nature into cities has focused on green spaces. New studies suggest water features are just as useful and can piggyback on other infrastructure goals.

Management

Viewpoint: We Really Need to Fix the Federal Budget Process

With the 2020 defense policy bill close to done, here are some ideas for next year.

Management

IRS Privatization Program for Collecting Tax Debts Triples Profits in 2019

The new revenue is helping IRS hire, but critics warn program is targeting nation's most vulnerable taxpayers and lagging behind projections.

Management

Congress Moves to Block OPM-GSA Merger

A provision in the 2020 National Defense Authorization Act would first require an independent study of the challenges facing the Office of Personnel Management.