Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1924-11-20
RULE ON PUBLICITY
FOR RATINGS ASKED
Personnel Board Wants
Stone to Pass on Handling
of Efficiency CHASING.

Attorney General Stone will be
asked by the personnel classification
board for ruling on how far the
boards authority extends in the mat
ter of making public the results of
a new efficiency rating. under the
provisions OF the classification act.
This announcement was made by
Chairman Bailey of the classification
board. following meeting this
morning of representatives from all
the Government departments and
establishments for the purpose OF
discussing the several viewpoints re-
garding publicity of efficiency ratings.
Wide divergence of opinion was
known to have been expressed at the
meeting.
Departments to Vote.
Following a ruling by the Attorney
General. Chairman Bailey said the
board Will draw up concrete proposals
to be submitted to the departments
for yes or no vote. When these
votes are returned to the board a
policy Will be determined upon and
promulgated. This procedure is all
expected to occupy consid era III e
ttitG, " ltl Bo one Wiling TO tStlmat lie
exactly when the matter will finally
be settled
Three principal points of view de-
reloped al the meeting this morning,
but Chairman Bailey said there had
been virtual agreements on the idea
that each employe should have the
right TO see his own efficiency rating
On the other hand, it was learned
there was no one at the meeting
willing to agree that employees might
see any other efficiency rating that
he desired out of interest, curiosity
or for any other purpose. This point
of view was understood to have been
ampiitied by persons who objected to
q wide-open policy of publicity. be-
cause of the same reasons which have
caused widespread resentment against
the publicity of income tax returns.
In TACT. the discussion developed con-
siderable talk, il was understood
which drew parallels between the
possibilities for stirring up trouble
which might eventuate should ef-
ficiency ratings be thrown wide open
to inspection as have income tax pay
mentS.
Hold Publicity In Right.
middle ground OF more or less
SStlHtu 10 represent Il
third point of view. Persons putting
forward arguments for this contend
ed it was understood that a govern
ment employe should have the right
to see not only his own efficiency ra
ting. but also the rating of other en-
ployes competing with him-that is,
those persons in own class. grade,
bureau, office or appropriation unit.
Widespread interest among Gov
eminent employees has been evinced
in the disputed question of publicity
now I'm the hands OF the classical
ton board. No unanimity of opinion
has as yet expressed itself among
Government employees themselves, al
though the National Federation of
Federal Employees has gone on rec
ord as favorinS complete inspection
Of all efficiency ratings.
The letter from the personnel clas
Sifcation board to Attorney General
Stone requesting his opinion on the
extent of the boards. authority in the
matter is expected to go forward
within q day two.
At the meeting this morning there
were between o5 and 40 persons, rep
resenting all branches of the Gov
eminent service. The personnel
board was fully represented by it's
three members. and Chairman Bailey
presided. The meeting was held in
an assembly hall at the Offices Of the
board.