This report describes the similarities and differences between 5 U.S.C. par. 4303, and 7513, the two sections of the law that authorize an agency to take an adverse action against a Federal employee for poor performance. In that context, the report addresses the limited ability of the law to address the underlying challenges of a performance-based action. Poor performers are a serious concern for the Federal workforce, and one that the Government has historically had difficulties addressing. However, as this report explains, the biggest obstacle to addressing poor performers in the Federal Government is not created by a statute, but rather is simply a question of how supervisors manage the performance of their employees. Illustrations.

Examines the effectiveness of Fed. first-level supervisors and how well agencies select, develop, and manage them. First-line supervisors, as the nexus between gov¿t. policy and action, are critical to productivity, employee engagement, and workplace fairness. Supervisory positions -- even at the first level -- have distinctive responsibilities and skill requirements. Therefore, it is essential that agencies have valid selection criteria and processes, comprehensive training programs, good communication and support networks, and sound accountability mechanisms for their first-level supervisors. In addition, this report recommends specific measures to improve supervisors management and performance. Charts and tables.

This report identifies how the U.S. government can improve its ability to recruit and hire entry-level professional and administrative employees. To prepare for a potential retirement wave, Federal agencies will likely increase their entry-level hiring to rebuild the pipeline from entry-level positions through the journey-level and beyond. Given this context, it is important to assess how well the Federal hiring process is working, particularly in terms of the Government¿s ability to recruit entry-level new hires from all segments of society and select employees on the basis of merit after fair and open competition. The recommendations in this report focus on how to improve entry-level hiring efforts while also protecting merit. Illustrations.