Not long ago, the Federal Merit Systems Protection Board (MSPB) conducted a multi-year study of the federal government’s civil service system and its hiring policies and practices. Read the following passage and decide which of the following conclusions is actually that of the MSPB. The Pendleton Act of 1883 formed the basis of the Federal competitive, merit-based hiring system and was meant to combat the evils of the "spoils system." Over the past 120 years, the Government has incrementally added rules, regulations, and shortcuts to the system to make it faster, cheaper, and in some cases, more effective. While these are worthy goals, what has resulted is a long, complex process that too often makes it difficult to hire the best person for the job. Ultimately, the current hiring system frequently does not work in the best interests of applicants, mission accomplishment, or the public.

The current hiring process won't let the government hire enough employees to conduct business.

The current federal hiring system is "broken" and needs significant additional reforms.

The current hiring process may be flawed but there is nothing that can be done to improve the situation.

The current federal hiring system is meeting the needs of department managers but not applicants.