The Administrative Chamber of Greece (DEE) has published a study on the coalition government’s controversial staff review system and has argued that the quota system in place is “dangerous” for the operation of public administration.
The study argues that the implementation of a strict quota system is anachronistic and rushed, creating the impression that its sole purpose is to shrink the public sector by gradually removing the “bad employees” (the lower 15%) while overlooking the quality of their work and losses suffered.
Furthermore, the Chamber’s study stresses that the reviews are not based on any quantitative or qualitative data other than examiner’s subjective judgment, allowing the opportunity for instances of nepotism, cronyism and corruption. The DEE study notes that the full implementation of a review system designed for another administrative system is a serious error.
The study includes a number of proposals:
- Establishing strategic short and long-term goals
- Implementing different methods and criteria for staff review, such as regular testing related to the each employee’s field and
- Introduce benchmarking and balance scorecards in an effort to encourage greater efficiency
- Taking into consideration municipal operations when evaluating structures and employees
- Introduce a bonus system for efficient departments and managements, while tying promotions to reviews.
The Ministry of Administrative Reform responded to the study and stated that it took into consideration any objections and proposals that were made during talks and that since the relevant legislation has been enacted, the time has come for the staff review system to be implemented.
