In search of a better fit: Exploring conditions for successful performance-based human resources management in u.s. federal agencies

This study examines the conditions for successful implementation of performance-based human resources management (PHRM) in U.S. federal agencies. Over the last decade, PHRM has reemerged as a major approach for enhancing the performance of federal employees. Reformers have instituted various measures to bring performance to the center of the personnel process in all federal agencies. However, there are huge variations among the agencies when it comes to how effective these efforts have been. To identify the factors that lead to these variations, we develop an analytical framework for the implementation of PHRM. Our analysis of the data collected from 167 U.S. federal agencies reveals that PHRM is significantly affected by a group of factors such as external political influences, organizational size, professionalism, type of policy instruments, and leadership effectiveness. These findings are discussed in terms of the implications for successful PHRM in government organizations.