Number: RS20303
Title: The Senior Executive Service: Overview and Current Issues
Authors: L. Elaine Halchin, Government and Finance Division 
Abstract: The Senior Executive Service (SES) was created in 1979 to provide a government wide, systematic program for the recruitment, retention, development, and management of senior executives in the federal government. This cadre of nearly 7,000 top-level executives, which is noted for its policymaking and leadership responsibilities, consists of four types of appointees. Entry into the SES and performance management are governed by law and regulations which emphasize executive competencies, pay for performance, and the concept of rank-in-person. Current issues include pay compression, SES proliferation, mobility, restructuring, and performance management.
Pages: 6
Date: April 9, 2003