Key Issues > Federal Leadership Capacity and Continuity
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Federal Leadership Capacity and Continuity

Perhaps the single most important element of successful management improvement and transformation initiatives is the demonstrated commitment of top leaders, as shown by their personal involvement in reform efforts.

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The GPRA Modernization Act of 2010 (GPRAMA) requires several new leadership structures and responsibilities aimed at sustaining attention on performance improvement efforts at both the agency and government-wide levels. For example, GPRAMA assigns responsibilities to a Chief Operating Officer (COO) in each agency to improve agency management and performance.

GAO has developed strategies for determining the appropriate type of COO/Chief Management Officer (CMO) positions in federal agencies and the key strategies for implementing these positions, including providing for the continuity of leadership through term or career appointments.

Key Strategies for Implementing COO/CMO Positions

  • Define the specific roles and responsibilities of the COO/CMO Position.
  • Ensure that the COO/CMO has a high level of authority and clearly delineated reporting relationships.
  • Foster good executive-level working relationships for maximum effectiveness.
  • Establish integration and transformation structures and processes in addition to the COO/CMO position.
  • Promote individual accountability and performance through specific job qualifications and effective performance management.
  • Provide for continuity of leadership in the COO/CMO position.

Looking for our recommendations? Click on any report to find each associated recommendation and its current implementation status.

Managing for Results

GPRA Modernization Act Implementation Provides Important Opportunities to Address Government Challenges
GAO-11-617T, May 10, 2011

Government Performance

GPRA Modernization Act Provides Opportunities to Help Address Fiscal, Performance, and Management Challenges
GAO-11-466T, Mar 16, 2011

Organizational Transformation

Implementing Chief Operating Officer/Chief Management Officer Positions in Federal Agencies
GAO-08-34, Nov 1, 2007

More Reports

Managing For Results

Agencies Have Elevated Performance Management Leadership Roles, but Additional Training Is Needed
GAO-13-356, Apr 16, 2013

Recovering Servicemembers and Veterans

Sustained Leadership Attention and Systematic Oversight Needed to Resolve Persistent Problems Affecting Care and Benefits
GAO-13-5, Nov 16, 2012

Driver's License Security

Federal Leadership Needed to Address Remaining Vulnerabilities
GAO-12-893, Sep 21, 2012

Information Sharing

DHS Has Demonstrated Leadership and Progress, but Additional Actions Could Help Sustain and Strengthen Efforts
GAO-12-809, Sep 18, 2012

Operational Contract Support

Sustained DOD Leadership Needed to Better Prepare for Future Contingencies
GAO-12-1026T, Sep 12, 2012

Personnel Security Clearances

Continuing Leadership and Attention Can Enhance Momentum Gained from Reform Effort
GAO-12-815T, Jun 21, 2012

DHS Human Capital

Senior Leadership Vacancy Rates Generally Declined, but Components' Rates Varied [Reissued on February 22, 2012]
GAO-12-264, Feb 10, 2012

Environmental Protection Agency

Actions Needed to Improve Planning, Coordination, and Leadership of EPA Laboratories
GAO-12-236T, Nov 17, 2011

Preventing Sexual Harassment

DOD Needs Greater Leadership Commitment and an Oversight Framework
GAO-11-809, Sep 21, 2011

Elder Justice

Stronger Federal Leadership Could Enhance National Response to Elder Abuse [Reissued on March 22, 2011]
GAO-11-208, Mar 2, 2011
More...
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  • portrait of J. Christopher Mihm
    • J. Christopher Mihm
    • Managing Director, Strategic Issues
    • mihmj@gao.gov
    • (202) 512-6806