The Trend Toward Accountability: What Does It Mean for HR Managers?

Categorized Under: Families + Communities

Published in Human Resource Management Review, Summer 2006, by Rebecca Mulvaney and Melissa Zwahr of ICF International and Laura Baranowski. This article provides an overview of the accountability trend and what this trend means for human resource (HR) managers. The article defines performance measurement and its relationship to performance management and evaluation.

It discusses the legislative incentives behind federal performance measurement, such as the Government Performance and Results Act (GPRA), that are designed to improve the effectiveness, efficiency, and accountability of taxpayer-funded programs and how these initiatives affect HR programs. Following this, it reviews the implications for HR professionals and the fundamental concepts of performance measurement, including common performance measurement methodologies. Finally, it concludes by highlighting the challenges of implementing a performance management system, as well as lessons learned from agencies that have implemented performance measurement or management systems in the past.

Authored By

Dr. Melissa Zwahr
Vice PresidentICF International

Melissa Zwahr has more than 16 years of experience in social science research and training and technical assistance. Dr. Zwahr provides oversight to ICF's early education training and technical assistance and research services and oversees the development of proposals, marketing materials, conference submissions, and manuscripts for publication. She is an experienced manager with proficiency in performance measurement, program evaluation, and training and technical assistance. Her subject matter expertise encompasses a broad range of domains, including child care and early education; military family support; and quality of life programs, youth programs, and gerontology.