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The merit system principles are the
public’s expectations of a system that is efficient, effective, fair, open to all,
free from political interference, and staffed by honest, competent, and dedicated
employees. As the federal government experiences continued change in the management of
human resources (centralization, deregulation, delegation, etc.), it becomes increasingly
important that line supervisors and managers incorporate the merit system principles into
every decision process they use. The merit system principles are:
- Recruit qualified individuals from all segments of society and select and advance
employees on the basis of merit after fair and open competition which assures that all
receive equal opportunity.
- Treat employees and applicants fairly and equitably, without regard to political
affiliation, race, color, religion, national origin, sex, marital status, age, or
handicapping condition, and with proper regard for their privacy and constitutional
rights.
- Provide equal pay for equal work and recognize excellent performance.
- Maintain high standards of integrity, conduct, and concern for the public interest.
- Manage employees efficiently and effectively.
- Retain and separate employees on the basis of their performance.
- Educate and train employees when it will result in better organizational or individual
performance.
- Protect employees from arbitrary action, personal favortism, or coercion for partisan
political purposes.
- Protect employees against reprisal for the lawful disclosure of information in
"whistleblower" situations (i.e., protecting people who report things like
illegal and/or wasteful activities).
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
Information sources:
U.S. Office of Special Counsel (OSC). Inquiries about activities of the OSC may
be made to:
- U.S. Office of Special Counsel 1730 M Street, NW., Suite 300 Washington, D.C 20036-4505
(202)
653-7188 1-800-872-9855 (TDD equipped)
Office of Government Ethics. Inquires about ethical conduct may be made to:
- Office of Government Ethics 1201 New York Avenue, NW., Suite 500 Washington, DC
20005-3917
(202) 523-5757
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