The Washington herald., 1921-11-02
Efficiency Classification.

OW THAT the civil service employees are
IN getting adjusted to the efficiency rating
plan, they probably discovering that
1T is exactly what they wanted and their one
best bet. Without efficiency rating civil service
quite inevitably degenerates to favoritism, a posi-
ton not only starts as political plumber, but
continues as that and nothing more. Federal
service then offers future, though it may pro-
vide an entertaining present.
If young men and women are to enter the
Federal service with any serious purpose; if they
intend to stay in it, seeing opportunity for ma
tional service and personal development, they are
quite to be disillusioned unless efficiency
Standards established in place of personal or
political preference The greatest misfortune that
has come to many capable and women who
have secured Federal positions is that they have
stayed in them.
Under the present system the wise young
person is the who gets civil service place
and holds it long enough to take night course
at a Washington college and day course in
ethe American system of government. That means
two or three years. But to get caught in the net
land not add to the government labor over-turn,
has meant years of disappointment in lack of
appreciation, constant anxiety, and nose close
TO the grindstone to catch the splinters.
The new efficiency order recently issued by
the President, only be forerunner of re-
nclassihcation- In fact It is Reconsideration leaving
not much for further legislation, except minimum
and maximum salary limits, while the latter can
we'll be omitted, leaving it to department heads
to FIX, but assuring definite annual advancement
each year for certain efficiency ratings. Life in
rthe public service would then be worth living;
Federal position would be worth having and it
would be worth while to give to the service the
very limit Of ability and effort. The rating in
itself would be evidence of appreciation 1t would
form record and more than that, it would hive
a certain market value in private industry.
II would be of equal value to the govern
,ment in reducing the labor turnover and inducing
by assured reward the best service Of which its
uemployes are capable. Only the constitutionally
inefficient, the incapable and the drones can
well object to the order But it should bring
- much relief and satisfaction to that 90 and more
per cent who have trudged faithfully, labored
nquite regardless Of monetary pay, delivered a
: service in research, in original development in
methods of economy, and in new processes which
have been invaluable to the people OF this coun-
try, yet for which they have had scant recogni-
ton and even less appreciation.
: Recognition and appreciation will follow eff
! hciency rating. Merit cannot then be hidden nor
follow, and though it often may not be what it
, should be- it will publicly acknowledge when there
, has been only self realization. Moreover. eff
cheney ratings basis from which to work
They provide formula to work with and a sort
of chart to demonstrate justice and injustice In
deed in all the multiplicity OF promise and pub
licity, this plan for definite ratings for reclass6-
. cation the practical product.