Blue-Collar Workers:

Appraisal Systems Are in Place, But Basic Refinements Are Needed

GGD-87-72, Jun 18, 1987

Contact:

Rosslyn S. Kleeman
(202) 512-9204
contact@gao.gov

 

Office of Public Affairs
(202) 512-4800
youngc1@gao.gov

GAO evaluated how the Air Force, the Army, the Navy, and the Veterans Administration (VA) have implemented performance appraisal systems for federal wage system, or blue-collar, employees.

GAO reviewed 84 performance plans applicable to 5,843 employees and found that 54 contained standards that were not clear, did not distinguish among all levels of performance, or were based on uncontrollable external factors. GAO also found that the services and VA: (1) failed to use some of the standards to measure performance; (2) inappropriately based some standards on personal traits; (3) did not always inform employees of their performance expectations in a timely manner; (4) failed to provide some employees with midyear performance feedback; and (5) communicated most performance appraisals in a timely manner.

Status Legend:

More Info
  • Review Pending-GAO has not yet assessed implementation status.
  • Open-Actions to satisfy the intent of the recommendation have not been taken or are being planned, or actions that partially satisfy the intent of the recommendation have been taken.
  • Closed-implemented-Actions that satisfy the intent of the recommendation have been taken.
  • Closed-not implemented-While the intent of the recommendation has not been satisfied, time or circumstances have rendered the recommendation invalid.
    • Review Pending
    • Open
    • Closed - implemented
    • Closed - not implemented

    Recommendations for Executive Action

    Recommendation: The Secretaries of the Air Force, Army, and Navy and the Administrator of Veterans Affairs should ensure that local activities conduct evaluations of performance appraisal systems and correct deficiencies. Such evaluations should pay particular attention to the types of deficiencies GAO found, as well as those cited in other evaluations that have been performed.

    Agency Affected: Department of Defense: Department of the Air Force

    Status: Closed - Implemented

    Comments: The Navy published a Civilian Personnel Instruction on performance appraisal evaluations.

    Recommendation: The Secretaries of the Air Force, Army, and Navy and the Administrator of Veterans Affairs should ensure that local activities conduct evaluations of performance appraisal systems and correct deficiencies. Such evaluations should pay particular attention to the types of deficiencies GAO found, as well as those cited in other evaluations that have been performed.

    Agency Affected: Department of Defense: Department of the Air Force

    Status: Closed - Implemented

    Comments: The Army reported that it emphasizes appraisal system evaluation as part of ongoing personnel management surveys.

    Recommendation: The Secretaries of the Air Force, Army, and Navy and the Administrator of Veterans Affairs should ensure that local activities conduct evaluations of performance appraisal systems and correct deficiencies. Such evaluations should pay particular attention to the types of deficiencies GAO found, as well as those cited in other evaluations that have been performed.

    Agency Affected: Veterans Administration

    Status: Closed - Implemented

    Comments: The Air Force published a Civilian Personnel Instruction on performance appraisal evaluations.

    Recommendation: The Secretaries of the Air Force, Army, and Navy and the Administrator of Veterans Affairs should ensure that local activities conduct evaluations of performance appraisal systems and correct deficiencies. Such evaluations should pay particular attention to the types of deficiencies GAO found, as well as those cited in other evaluations that have been performed.

    Agency Affected: Department of Defense: Department of the Navy

    Status: Closed - Implemented

    Comments: VA is conducting reviews of personnel-related matters.

    Apr 16, 2013

    Mar 15, 2013

    Dec 14, 2012

    Dec 3, 2012

    Nov 13, 2012

    Sep 19, 2012

    Jul 12, 2012

    Jun 28, 2012

    Jun 21, 2012

    Looking for more? Browse all our products here