In recent years, the states we selected confronted similar challenges and, in response, implemented reforms similar to those required by GPRA. Table 1 provides an overview of the results-oriented management reforms implemented or being considered by the six states we visited. Objective, Scope, and Methodology

Our objective was to identify some of the experiences state governments had in implementing management reforms that were reported as successful and thus, may assist federal agencies in implementing GPRA. We focused on identifying successful management reforms implemented in the six states we selected that may help federal agencies in their efforts to implement GPRA and become more results oriented. We did not obtain comments from the states on a draft of this report. State officials said that training and involvement in the development of performance measures helped ensure that agency managers and staff used the performance measures to gauge their progress in meeting goals and to adjust their operations to meet such goals. Development and Use of Measures Required Training, Involvement, and Commitment

Based on the reported experiences of Oregon and Minnesota officials, for stakeholders, including agency managers and staff, to use performance measures to gauge progress toward goals, they needed to be involved in developing the measures and needed to understand how the resulting performance information would be used. Management Systems Alignment Intended to Support Emphasis on Results

The states and state agencies we selected that had begun to use strategic planning and performance measurement generally determined that they also needed to align their information, human resource, budgeting, and financial systems to support program goals. These administrative waivers would provide federal managers with more flexibility to structure agency systems to better support program goals. A recorded menu will provide information on how to obtain these lists.
Why GAO Did This Study

Pursuant to a congressional request, GAO reviewed six states' experiences in implementing management reforms and how their experiences could assist federal agencies in implementing the Government Performance and Results Act (GPRA).

What GAO Found

GAO found that: (1) federal agencies may be able to better implement GPRA and increase program effectiveness if they adopt results-oriented management reforms similar to those implemented by the six states; (2) federal agencies will need long-term commitment and cooperation between the executive and legislative branches to implement management reforms and mission-related program goals and performance measures to effectively implement GPRA; (3) the states' use of strategic planning has helped build consensus on statewide goals and has fostered interagency cooperation; (4) the states use a variety of performance measures to gauge agencies' progress in meeting strategic goals; (5) the states train their staff on how to use performance measures and involve them in the development process to effectively implement results-oriented reform; (6) the states have aligned their information, human resources, budgeting, and financial management systems to better support managers in their efforts to achieve statewide goals and to obtain stakeholders' agreement on strategic goals; (7) the states have provided program managers with progress reports, ways to assess staff achievement, and greater flexibility to meet program goals; and (8) although the effects of the management reforms could not be fully determined, the states remain committed to change.