About The Summit: OPM Research Summit

Although the Federal government swims in a sea of data, it does not fully leverage the insights that can be gleaned through rigorous analytics. Building the institutional capacity to properly express goals in terms of metrics, consistently identifying and gathering relevant data, creating models that inform effective decisions, and translating data into human-centered value are critical steps in developing 21st Century HR practices that result in a world class workforce. Objectives include identifying best practices and systems for data analytics, building a cadre of specialized data analysts, and developing strategies for data-driven decision making.

Organizational diversity encompasses more than an individual's race, national origin, gender, or ability status. Diversity of thought, skill sets, experiences, and lifestyle all describe the differences that individuals bring with them to work everyday. The ability to leverage diversity effectively and create an inclusive environment go hand-in-hand when examining organizational performance. Managers may find it useful to design recruitment practices that leverage diversity of views while shaping an inclusive, healthy synergistic organization. Objectives include identifying best practices and strategies to create and sustain a diverse, inclusive Federal workforce where optimal performance can be achieved.

Performance management is about achieving results in a manner consistent with organizational expectations. Appropriately setting expectations and managing against those expectations is the difference in organizational performance. High performing organizations have processes that evaluate performance against individual and organizational goals. High performing individuals yield high performing teams; and high performing teams yield high performing organizations. As workforce models shift and employees increasingly operate in matrixed (multiple “bosses”) and distributed contexts (telework/remote work), it is critical that managers develop the capacity to prescribe and communicate outcome based standards and objectively measure results. Objectives include identifying best practices, tools, and systems that focus on improving individual and organizational productivity.