In Recent Years, the Competitive Service Has Become More Decentralized

question 104

Multiple Choice

In recent years, the competitive service has become more decentralized and examinations have become less common. Which of the following is suggested by the text as an explanation for these changes?

• A) The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) system has become efficient and relevant to the needs of departments.
• B) Agencies no longer need more professionally trained employees.
• C) Civil rights groups have pressed Washington to make the racial composition of the federal bureaucracy look more like the racial composition of the nation.
• D) As the number of applications has fallen, standards have been lowered to generate interest.
• E) Budget cuts have encouraged less formal means of processing applications.

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Definitions:

Paraphrasing

The act of rewording or rephrasing text or speech to achieve clearer understanding, often used in communication and counseling.

Simple Reflection

In counseling, a technique where the counselor mirrors back what the client has said, helping the client feel understood and encouraging deeper exploration of their feelings and thoughts.

MI

Motivational Interviewing, a counseling approach that involves engaging clients' own motivations and commitment to change behavior.

Intrinsic Motivation

The drive to engage in activities for their own sake, out of interest or enjoyment, rather than for some separable consequence.