Date of Award

Fall 2023

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Public Administration (DPA)

Department

Public Policy and Administration

Committee Chairperson

Angela Kline, PhD

Committee Member

Kristen B. Crossney, PhD

Committee Member

Mia Ocean, MSW, PhD

Abstract

Bureaucratic representation directly impacts the federal workforce diversity; however, most federal agencies have struggled to recruit and retain a diverse workforce that resembles the population in the United States. The federal government has consistently applied different methodologies and strategies to increase diversity efforts over time, but who has the ability to actually influence all activities at each of the federal agencies. Senior Executive Service members are positioned across the federal government by the Office of Personnel Management, and they provide oversight of all federal policies and programs that benefit the constituents in this country. To examine this dilemma related to the federal workforce inability to build a diverse workforce, this study uses quantitative methods to explore if the quantity of Senior Executive Service members impact diversity differently across the federal agencies under the Department of Health and Human Services. This study uses bivariate correlation and independent t-test to determine if the hypothesis is valid. Findings determine that this research area should be further explored due to the intricate role of the Senior Executive Service members. Determining who has the ability to influence federal workforce diversity will be most beneficial to the constituents since all federal programs and policies impact everyone in this country.

Download

Share

COinS