NAPA pushes human resources

A National Academy of Public Administration panel believes that the federal government needs a new human resources system if agencies are to harness the full power of information technology to deliver services.

Myra Shiplett, director of NAPA's Center for Human Resources Management, said the panel next week will publicly release its final report and recommendations on IT compensation strategies and how the government can best compete for IT talent.

However, Shiplett previewed some of the report's findings and conclusions at the Office of Personnel Management's Strategic Compensation Conference 2001 Aug. 29. The report will include:

* Finding a "market solution" for solving the federal IT workforce crisis by using innovative programs such as pay-banding and special salary rates.

* Beefing up training programs.

* Awarding bonuses.

In addition, the panel concluded that there needs to be a "premium for performance," Shiplett said. "IT professionals want to earn promotions and pay increases based on performance," she said. Agencies must also offer a balanced work/life program and must invest the time and resources needed to implement change.

Human capital "is finally being recognized as a contributor to effective government at every level," Shiplett said, adding that IT is the other "compelling force."