People
Another depressing story about federal hiring
Steve Kelman finds a bright side, however, in the ability of individual managers to buck the trends.
Acquisition
'Paying for Results' at a tipping point?
Steve Kelman showcases a new report that shows just how widespread outcome-oriented contracting has become.
People
Corruption and causes for thanksgiving
Steve Kelman considers the costs of corruption in Mexico, China, and most developing countries -- and argues that Americans should keep their own government troubles in perspective.
People
Professional values and government outputs
Want to change your organization's culture? Steve Kelman suggests starting with the type of professions from which you hire.
People
An opening bid on 'acquisition of the future'
Steve Kelman has some advice for the movement to remake government procurement.
Digital Government
Remembering time behind the Berlin Wall
Before he became a procurement expert and management professor, Steve Kelman dabbled in Cold War intrigue. Twenty-five years after the fall of the wall, he recalls the experience.
Acquisition
It's the requirements, stupid...
Steve Kelman argues that the best place to improve federal procurements is at the beginning.
People
Are internships the secret weapon for hiring young talent into government?
Steve Kelman explains how the Pathways Programs offer agencies a fast track to hiring recent graduates.
People
Knowing when to stand your ground
New research suggests that strategies for making good decisions where the choices are complex may be very different from those where the clear answer involves courage.
People
Competition, performance and the proper degree of pressure
Steve Kelman suggests that Harvard's performance culture could offer lessons for federal agencies.
Acquisition
Contract management vs. contract lawyering
Steve Kelman notes that agency managers have options that may not be covered in the legal letter of an agreement.
Digital Government
Tel Aviv dispatch
Steve Kelman takes a break from acquisition and IT to report on his latest travels.
Acquisition
Procurement jujitsu at HHS
Steve Kelman applauds the IDEA Lab experiments -- and explains what it will take to make real changes stick.
People
Collaborating across organizations -- practice makes perfect
Recent research supports what economists have long argued: Sustained collaboration adds real value, but you have to work at it!
Digital Government
What the CIO Council could learn from the public health community's 'President's Challenge'
Clear and measurable goals can turn information-sharing into real performance gains.
Digital Government
Oracle, the CIA and government's role in picking winners
The database giant was effectively launched via agency contracts. That's not a bad thing, Steve Kelman notes, but it begs the question of when government should go beyond basic research and standard procurement.
Digital Government
How social media is changing government management (again)
Steve Kelman finds inspiration in the role Twitter played during India's recent floods.
People
Government tech lessons from the Far East
Steve Kelman notes that Asia may be emerging as a center for government service delivery innovation.
People
A better path to performance management
Steve Kelman shows how tests and metrics can be used to really improve, rather than simply reward and punish.
Digital Government