Audit Reports Affecting Multiple Agencies
An Assessment of Human Resource Management Controls in Texas State Government
Report Number 97-058
May 1997
Overall Conclusion
Ongoing and high-level attention to human resource management is critical to safeguard the ability of state agencies and universities to accomplish their missions. Due to a lack of information on and persistent problems with basic human resource policies and procedures, we are unable to assure state leaders that the $9.9 billion spent on human resources in fiscal year 1996 resulted in the most efficient and effective work. We believe that executive management's attention to planning for human resource needs, implementing and enforcing adequate human resource controls, and evaluating results is the cornerstone of improving human resource management practices in state government.
Key Facts and Findings
The State does not have all of the information needed to evaluate the cost and results of its human resource management practices. However, reported cost information, which is significantly understated, indicates that agencies and universities spend at least $60 million annually on recruitment and selection, staff development, and problems with employee relations.
Agencies and universities do not consistently have adequate plans for human resource management. Planning needs improvement in such areas as setting measurable goals, determining staffing needs, and coordinating entity-wide human resource initiatives.
Agencies and universities do not have comprehensive, entity-level, written policies and procedures to help ensure that the $1 billion in expenditures for contingent workforce services are in the State's best interest.
Audits at more than 80 agencies and universities since 1994 have consistently reported weaknesses in basic human resource management control systems. The main areas for improvement include performance appraisal procedures, hiring processes, staff development, and compliance with laws.
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