A Domestic Crisis with Global Implications: Reviewing the Human Capital Crisis at the State Department

The State Department Inspector General released two reports on the Bureau of Human Resources in May 2007 and September 2007 that included more than 60 recommendations to address the Department’s failing human capitol efforts. According to one of the findings in the May 2007 report, “the Civil Service personnel system, as currently structure, does not facilitate the optimal training, development, promotion, and utilization of these employees.” The reports show that more than two years after the launch of the Transformational Diplomacy Initiative (TDI) the Department has not successfully addressed the staffing and management needs of the foreign or civil service. Furthermore, these reports support the findings by the Foreign Affairs Council and the Government Accountability Office. The hearing will examine the State Department’s strategic human capital planning efforts and ongoing staffing management issues.