GAO reviewed quality management (QM) implementation at federal agencies, focusing on the human resource management (HRM) approaches used by 10 federal agencies recognized for their QM efforts.

GAO found that: (1) the agencies have spent significantly more money on employee training and have used in-house training for at least part of their training efforts; (2) in-house training has resulted in reduced costs, customized programs, and credibility with employees; (3) increased and more direct communication between managers and employees has improved the flow of ideas, information sharing, and coordination and cooperation between agency units; (4) the 10 agencies have developed teamwork approaches to address cross-functional issues; (5) some agencies are developing self-managed teams to carry out certain tasks; (6) the 10 agencies have empowered their employees to be actively involved in improving their work processes, widening their responsibilities, and contributing ideas to improve services; and (7) all agency personnel surveyed stress the importance of top management support and participation for QM implementation to succeed.