The assignment (2-3 pages):
In your own words, define the civil service system.
Explain the major components of the civil service system.
Explain one way in which you might improve the civil service system.
Explain why you would choose to implement this improvement and what its positive results might be.
To prepare for this assignment:
Review Chapter 11 in your course text, Introducing Public Administration, focusing on the components (e.g., tasks, processes, etc.) of the civil service system (also called "the personnel function" and "public personnel management" in your course text).
In addition, consider how civil service reform movements, from the 1800s to today, have or have not been effective at improving the civil service system and why.
Review the video, "Public Organizations," noting how David Osborne defines the civil service system and how and why the ideas of the reinventing government movement aimed to improve it.
Review the U.S. Office of Personnel Management website, considering the messages conveyed to visitors of the site and what these messages indicate about how the OPM works.
Reflect on how you might define the civil service system in your own words, as well as how you might explain its major components.
Think about one recommendation you might make to improve the civil service system, why you might recommend this improvement, and what the benefits of this improvement might be.