How To Make Special Emphasis Programs an Effective Part of Agencies' EEO Activities
FPCD-80-55: Published: Aug 27, 1980. Publicly Released: Aug 27, 1980.
Additional Materials:
- Full Report:
Contact:
Special emphasis programs were established in federal agencies because women and minorities perceived that their needs were not being adequately considered or met in existing Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) programs. There are five government-wide programs: (1) the Federal Women's Program; (2) the Hispanic Employment Program; (3) the Selective Placement Program for the Handicapped; (4) the Minority Outreach and Upward Mobility Program; and (5) the Veterans Employment Program. Other special emphasis programs have been established within individual agencies. The number and types of special emphasis programs have grown rapidly; however, little is known about how effective these programs have been in serving the needs of their constituents and helping the agencies meet EEO goals.
GAO found that special emphasis program goals need to be integrated into agencies' overall EEO goals. Special emphasis programs are loosely operated and do not set out specific goals, resource requirements, timetables, program costs, and activities. There is no accountability for resources invested compared to achievements obtained. Top management's participation in and commitment to special emphasis programs vary greatly. Definition of the expected role of coordinators is not clear. Program evaluations need to be made for determining the effectiveness of special emphasis programs and coordinators. Coordinators and agency management must have a clear understanding of what is expected. There is confusion over the coordinator role and program goals. Differences over the appropriate role of coordinators stem, in part, from the fact that guidance on the roles and activities of coordinators for the Women's and Hispanic programs have been isued piecemeal over a number of years. Criteria for determining when special emphasis program coordinators are needed and whether they should serve full time or on a collateral duty basis are vague. Line management and agency officials generally do not participate in planning for special emphasis programs. Planning is essential to the success of special emphasis programs. Evaluations of special emphasis programs are seldom made. Consequently, some coordinators are inactive, there is no feedback on problems, and progress toward achieving program goals is not reported.
Jan 19, 2021
-
Federal Rulemaking:
Selected EPA and HHS Regulatory Analyses Met Several Best Practices, but CMS Should Take Steps to Strengthen Its AnalysesGAO-21-151: Published: Dec 17, 2020. Publicly Released: Jan 19, 2021.
Jan 13, 2021
-
Department of Energy Contracting:
Improvements Needed to Ensure DOE Assesses Its Full Range of Contracting Fraud RisksGAO-21-44: Published: Jan 13, 2021. Publicly Released: Jan 13, 2021.
Dec 16, 2020
-
Data Governance:
Agencies Made Progress in Establishing Governance, but Need to Address Key MilestonesGAO-21-152: Published: Dec 16, 2020. Publicly Released: Dec 16, 2020.
Dec 9, 2020
-
2020 Census:
The Bureau Concluded Field Work but Uncertainty about Data Quality, Accuracy, and Protection RemainsGAO-21-206R: Published: Dec 9, 2020. Publicly Released: Dec 9, 2020.
Dec 3, 2020
-
2020 Census:
Census Bureau Needs to Assess Data Quality Concerns Stemming from Recent Design ChangesGAO-21-142: Published: Dec 3, 2020. Publicly Released: Dec 3, 2020. -
2020 Census:
Census Bureau Needs to Ensure Transparency over Data QualityGAO-21-262T: Published: Dec 3, 2020. Publicly Released: Dec 3, 2020.
Nov 30, 2020
-
Federal Buying Power:
OMB Can Further Advance Category Management Initiative by Focusing on Requirements, Data, and TrainingGAO-21-40: Published: Nov 30, 2020. Publicly Released: Nov 30, 2020.
Nov 24, 2020
-
Disaster Response:
Agencies Should Assess Contracting Workforce Needs and Purchase Card Fraud RiskGAO-21-42: Published: Nov 24, 2020. Publicly Released: Nov 24, 2020.
Nov 23, 2020
-
Federal Contracting:
Actions Needed to Improve Department of Labor's Enforcement of Service Worker Wage ProtectionsGAO-21-11: Published: Oct 29, 2020. Publicly Released: Nov 23, 2020.
Nov 18, 2020
-
Federal Telework:
Key Practices That Can Help Ensure the Success of Telework ProgramsGAO-21-238T: Published: Nov 18, 2020. Publicly Released: Nov 18, 2020.
Looking for more? Browse all our products here