GAO Survey on SEC Personnel and Human Capital Management
U.S. Government Accountability Office
Contents
- Introduction
- Section 1 - Recruitment, Training, Staff Development, and Resources
- Section 2 - Communication Within and Between SEC Divisions and Offices
- Section 3 - Leadership and Management
- Section 4 - Performance Management and Promotions
- Section 5 - Organizational Culture and Climate
- Section 6 - Demographic and Background Information
- Section 7 - Comments and Final Response Submission
Introduction
The U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO), an independent agency that
works for Congress, has been mandated by Section 962 of the Dodd-Frank Wall
Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (Pub.L. 111-203) to review the
quality of personnel management at the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission
(SEC), including issues related to human capital programs, workforce planning,
performance management, and communication. As a part of our review, we are
sending this questionnaire to Senior Officers across all mission-critical
divisions and offices of the SEC. Your cooperation is critical to providing the
Congress with complete and balanced information on how personnel management is
functioning across these offices and divisions within the SEC. This
questionnaire should take about 20 minutes to complete.
GAO
pledges to maintain the confidentiality of the responses to this survey, which
means that we will not share individually identifiable information obtained from
the responses with SEC, nor release individually identifiable information
outside of GAO, unless compelled by a court or requested by the Congress. Our
information protection protocols include destroying any link between the
identification number assigned to your questionnaire and your identifying
information before issuance of our report. The results of this questionnaire
will be used to compile descriptive information on SEC's personnel management,
and the results will be included in summary form in our final report. Individual
answers may be discussed in the report, but we will not include any information
that could be used to identify individual respondents.
All of the
questions in this survey can be answered by clicking on radio buttons or
providing comments in spaces provided at the end of each section. Please
complete the questionnaire within 10 business days of receipt. This
questionnaire is divided by topic into seven sections:
(1) Recruitment,
Training, Staff Development, and Resources
(2) Communication Between and
Within SEC Divisions and Offices
(3) Leadership and Management
(4)
Performance Management and Promotions
(5) Organizational Culture and
Climate
(6) Demographics and Background Information; and
(7) Final
Comments.
Although your participation is voluntary, we urge you to
complete this questionnaire. We cannot develop meaningful information without
your frank and honest answers.
Thank you very much for your time.
To learn more about completing the survey, printing your responses, and
whom to contact if you have questions, _____
Section 1 - Recruitment, Training, Staff Development, and Resources
Notes on terms used in Section 1:
(1)
Division/office: For purposes of this survey, the phrase
"division/office" refers to your division or office (such as the Division
of Corporation Finance or OCIE in the Headquarters or the Division of
Enforcement or OCIE in a regional office).
(2) Supervisors and
managers: The phrase "supervisors and managers" refers to those in
supervisory or management positions below your current level that you
oversee such as Assistant Directors or those in the SK-15 to SK-17 grades that
you oversee.
1. To what extent do you agree or disagree with the following statements on
recruitment, hiring and retention? (Select one response per
item.)
1a. My division/office is able to attract talented and qualified employees.
Not checked |
Strongly agree |
Somewhat agree |
Neither agree nor disagree |
Somewhat disagree |
Strongly disagree |
Do not know |
Number of respondents |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
% | % | % | % | % | % | % | |
0.0 | 51.9 | 36.5 | 1.9 | 5.8 | 3.8 | 0.0 | 52 |
1b. My division/office retains its most talented and qualified employees.
Not checked |
Strongly agree |
Somewhat agree |
Neither agree nor disagree |
Somewhat disagree |
Strongly disagree |
Do not know |
Number of respondents |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
% | % | % | % | % | % | % | |
0.0 | 23.5 | 47.1 | 7.8 | 17.6 | 3.9 | 0.0 | 51 |
1c. When new people start in jobs in my division/office, they are given enough guidance and training.
Not checked |
Strongly agree |
Somewhat agree |
Neither agree nor disagree |
Somewhat disagree |
Strongly disagree |
Do not know |
Number of respondents |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
% | % | % | % | % | % | % | |
0.0 | 48.1 | 42.3 | 3.8 | 3.8 | 1.9 | 0.0 | 52 |
1d. Hiring is sometimes based more on personal connections than on substantive experience or qualifications.
Not checked |
Strongly agree |
Somewhat agree |
Neither agree nor disagree |
Somewhat disagree |
Strongly disagree |
Do not know |
Number of respondents |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
% | % | % | % | % | % | % | |
0.0 | 3.9 | 3.9 | 2.0 | 13.7 | 72.5 | 3.9 | 51 |
1e. Overall, SEC's Office of Human Resources provides timely support to my division/office.
Not checked |
Strongly agree |
Somewhat agree |
Neither agree nor disagree |
Somewhat disagree |
Strongly disagree |
Do not know |
Number of respondents |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
% | % | % | % | % | % | % | |
0.0 | 21.2 | 42.3 | 17.3 | 13.5 | 3.8 | 1.9 | 52 |
1f. SEC's Office of Human Resources has the necessary expertise to assist in recruiting and hiring qualified employees.
Not checked |
Strongly agree |
Somewhat agree |
Neither agree nor disagree |
Somewhat disagree |
Strongly disagree |
Do not know |
Number of respondents |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
% | % | % | % | % | % | % | |
0.0 | 15.4 | 26.9 | 23.1 | 15.4 | 11.5 | 7.7 | 52 |
1g. The process of hiring qualified employees is usually more time-consuming than need be.
Not checked |
Strongly agree |
Somewhat agree |
Neither agree nor disagree |
Somewhat disagree |
Strongly disagree |
Do not know |
Number of respondents |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
% | % | % | % | % | % | % | |
0.0 | 23.1 | 48.1 | 13.5 | 7.7 | 5.8 | 1.9 | 52 |
1h. My division/office has enough staff to manage the volume of work that needs to be completed.
Not checked |
Strongly agree |
Somewhat agree |
Neither agree nor disagree |
Somewhat disagree |
Strongly disagree |
Do not know |
Number of respondents |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
% | % | % | % | % | % | % | |
0.0 | 5.8 | 13.5 | 5.8 | 25.0 | 46.2 | 3.8 | 52 |
2. To what extent do you agree or disagree with the following statements on
training and development opportunities? (Select one response per
item.)
Please note: Some questions ask you to look back over
the past three years. If you have worked at the SEC for less than three
years, we ask that you look back over the period of time that you have worked at
the SEC.
2a. SEC needs to invest more in the development of new employees.
Not checked |
Strongly agree |
Somewhat agree |
Neither agree nor disagree |
Somewhat disagree |
Strongly disagree |
Do not know |
Number of respondents |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
% | % | % | % | % | % | % | |
0.0 | 13.5 | 40.4 | 21.2 | 19.2 | 3.8 | 1.9 | 52 |
2b. The training I have received over the past three years has provided me skills and experience to meet SEC's needs.
Not checked |
Strongly agree |
Somewhat agree |
Neither agree nor disagree |
Somewhat disagree |
Strongly disagree |
Do not know |
Number of respondents |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
% | % | % | % | % | % | % | |
0.0 | 26.9 | 51.9 | 17.3 | 3.8 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 52 |
2c. My division/office needs to do more to address skills gaps.
Not checked |
Strongly agree |
Somewhat agree |
Neither agree nor disagree |
Somewhat disagree |
Strongly disagree |
Do not know |
Number of respondents |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
% | % | % | % | % | % | % | |
0.0 | 11.8 | 31.4 | 27.5 | 15.7 | 11.8 | 2.0 | 51 |
2d. Over the past three years, SEC's leadership training has been effective in improving the management skills of supervisors and managers in my division/office.
Not checked |
Strongly agree |
Somewhat agree |
Neither agree nor disagree |
Somewhat disagree |
Strongly disagree |
Do not know |
Number of respondents |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
% | % | % | % | % | % | % | |
0.0 | 21.2 | 46.2 | 15.4 | 15.4 | 1.9 | 0.0 | 52 |
3. For those training opportunities that you have been involved with over the
past three years, to what extent, if at all, have the following types of
training provided information and knowledge that is directly relevant to your
work? (Select one response per item.)
3a. Training provided by the SEC University
Not checked |
To a great extent | To a moderate extent | To a small extent | To no extent |
No basis to judge | Do not know |
Number of respondents |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
% | % | % | % | % | % | % | |
0.0 | 28.8 | 46.2 | 17.3 | 0.0 | 5.8 | 1.9 | 52 |
3b. External training or conferences
Not checked |
To a great extent | To a moderate extent | To a small extent | To no extent |
No basis to judge | Do not know |
Number of respondents |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
% | % | % | % | % | % | % | |
0.0 | 27.5 | 33.3 | 15.7 | 2.0 | 19.6 | 2.0 | 51 |
3c. Computer-based training delivered by Internet
Not checked |
To a great extent | To a moderate extent | To a small extent | To no extent |
No basis to judge | Do not know |
Number of respondents |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
% | % | % | % | % | % | % | |
0.0 | 9.6 | 44.2 | 34.6 | 5.8 | 5.8 | 0.0 | 52 |
4. With respect to the hiring freeze that began in January of 2017, what
effect, if any, has the hiring freeze had on your division/office's
workload?
Not checked | Positive effect | No effect | Negative effect | No basis to judge | Do not know | Number of respondents |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
% | % | % | % | % | % | |
0.0 | 0.0 | 5.8 | 94.2 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 52 |
a. How large of a positive effect has the hiring freeze had on your
division/office's workload?
a. How large of a negative effect has the hiring freeze had on your
division/office's workload?
Not checked |
Large negative effect |
Moderate negative effect |
Small negative effect |
No opinion |
Number of respondents |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
% | % | % | % | % | |
0.0 | 50.0 | 42.0 | 6.0 | 2.0 | 50 |
5. With respect to the hiring freeze that began in January of 2017, what
effect, if any, has the hiring freeze had on your division/office's ability to
meet its mission?
Not checked | Positive effect | No effect | Negative effect | No basis to judge | Do not know | Number of respondents |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
% | % | % | % | % | % | |
0.0 | 0.0 | 13.5 | 82.7 | 1.9 | 1.9 | 52 |
a. How large of a positive effect has the hiring freeze had on your
division/office's ability to meet its mission?
a. How large of a negative effect has the hiring freeze had on your
division/office's ability to meet its mission?
Not checked |
Large negative effect |
Moderate negative effect |
Small negative effect |
No opinion |
Number of respondents |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
% | % | % | % | % | |
0.0 | 32.6 | 41.9 | 23.3 | 2.3 | 43 |
6. If there are any other issues, details, or information concerning
recruitment, training, staff development and resources that you would like us to
know about, please use the space below to provide this information.
Section 2 - Communication Within and Between SEC Divisions and Offices
Notes on terms used in Section 2:
(1)
Division/office: For purposes of this survey, the phrase
"division/office" refers to your division or office (such as the Division
of Corporation Finance or OCIE in the Headquarters or the Division of
Enforcement or OCIE in a regional office).
(2)
Management: For purposes of this survey, "management" refers to
those at the Senior Officer (SO) level (Associate Director, Deputy Director,
etc.).
Please note: Some questions ask you to look back
over the past three years. If you have worked at the SEC for less than three
years, we ask that you look back over the period of time that you have worked at
the SEC.
7. To what extent do you agree or disagree with the following statements
regarding communication within your division/office or between your
division/office and other SEC offices and divisions? (Select one response
per item.)
7a. My division/office supports open, two-way communication between staff and Senior Officers.
Not checked |
Strongly agree |
Somewhat agree |
Neither agree nor disagree |
Somewhat disagree |
Strongly disagree |
Do not know |
Number of respondents |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
% | % | % | % | % | % | % | |
0.0 | 70.6 | 21.6 | 0.0 | 3.9 | 3.9 | 0.0 | 51 |
7b. Information is adequately shared across groups in my division/office.
Not checked |
Strongly agree |
Somewhat agree |
Neither agree nor disagree |
Somewhat disagree |
Strongly disagree |
Do not know |
Number of respondents |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
% | % | % | % | % | % | % | |
0.0 | 37.3 | 51.0 | 0.0 | 9.8 | 2.0 | 0.0 | 51 |
7c. Communication across groups in my division/office has improved over the past three years.
Not checked |
Strongly agree |
Somewhat agree |
Neither agree nor disagree |
Somewhat disagree |
Strongly disagree |
Do not know |
Number of respondents |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
% | % | % | % | % | % | % | |
0.0 | 51.0 | 25.5 | 15.7 | 3.9 | 2.0 | 2.0 | 51 |
7d. Overall, information and knowledge are shared openly at all levels within my division/office.
Not checked |
Strongly agree |
Somewhat agree |
Neither agree nor disagree |
Somewhat disagree |
Strongly disagree |
Do not know |
Number of respondents |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
% | % | % | % | % | % | % | |
0.0 | 41.2 | 39.2 | 5.9 | 7.8 | 3.9 | 2.0 | 51 |
7e. In my division/office, communication between other offices and divisions (such as between OCIE and CorpFin) on work-related matters is encouraged.
Not checked |
Strongly agree |
Somewhat agree |
Neither agree nor disagree |
Somewhat disagree |
Strongly disagree |
Do not know |
Number of respondents |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
% | % | % | % | % | % | % | |
0.0 | 62.7 | 31.4 | 3.9 | 2.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 51 |
8. To what extent do you agree or disagree that, in the past 12 months,
communication between my division/office and the following divisions/offices is
adequate to achieve SEC's mission? (Select one response per item. If you
work in that division or office, select "Not Applicable.")
8a. OCIE
Not checked |
Strongly agree |
Somewhat agree |
Neither agree nor disagree |
Somewhat disagree |
Strongly disagree |
Do not know |
Not applicable |
Number of respondents |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
% | % | % | % | % | % | % | % | |
0.0 | 50.0 | 28.0 | 4.0 | 4.0 | 0.0 | 2.0 | 12.0 | 50 |
8b. Division of Enforcement
Not checked |
Strongly agree |
Somewhat agree |
Neither agree nor disagree |
Somewhat disagree |
Strongly disagree |
Do not know |
Not applicable |
Number of respondents |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
% | % | % | % | % | % | % | % | |
0.0 | 44.0 | 34.0 | 2.0 | 4.0 | 0.0 | 2.0 | 14.0 | 50 |
8c. Division of Corporation Finance
Not checked |
Strongly agree |
Somewhat agree |
Neither agree nor disagree |
Somewhat disagree |
Strongly disagree |
Do not know |
Not applicable |
Number of respondents |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
% | % | % | % | % | % | % | % | |
0.0 | 37.3 | 33.3 | 13.7 | 2.0 | 0.0 | 3.9 | 9.8 | 51 |
8d. Division of Investment Management
Not checked |
Strongly agree |
Somewhat agree |
Neither agree nor disagree |
Somewhat disagree |
Strongly disagree |
Do not know |
Not applicable |
Number of respondents |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
% | % | % | % | % | % | % | % | |
0.0 | 33.3 | 41.2 | 5.9 | 7.8 | 2.0 | 5.9 | 3.9 | 51 |
8e. Division of Trading and Markets
Not checked |
Strongly agree |
Somewhat agree |
Neither agree nor disagree |
Somewhat disagree |
Strongly disagree |
Do not know |
Not applicable |
Number of respondents |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
% | % | % | % | % | % | % | % | |
0.0 | 31.4 | 43.1 | 3.9 | 11.8 | 5.9 | 2.0 | 2.0 | 51 |
8f. Division of Economic and Risk Analysis
Not checked |
Strongly agree |
Somewhat agree |
Neither agree nor disagree |
Somewhat disagree |
Strongly disagree |
Do not know |
Not applicable |
Number of respondents |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
% | % | % | % | % | % | % | % | |
0.0 | 43.1 | 35.3 | 7.8 | 7.8 | 0.0 | 2.0 | 3.9 | 51 |
8g. Office of Credit Ratings
Not checked |
Strongly agree |
Somewhat agree |
Neither agree nor disagree |
Somewhat disagree |
Strongly disagree |
Do not know |
Not applicable |
Number of respondents |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
% | % | % | % | % | % | % | % | |
0.0 | 29.4 | 9.8 | 19.6 | 3.9 | 0.0 | 23.5 | 13.7 | 51 |
8h. Office of Information Technology
Not checked |
Strongly agree |
Somewhat agree |
Neither agree nor disagree |
Somewhat disagree |
Strongly disagree |
Do not know |
Not applicable |
Number of respondents |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
% | % | % | % | % | % | % | % | |
0.0 | 27.5 | 31.4 | 13.7 | 9.8 | 2.0 | 15.7 | 0.0 | 51 |
8i. Office of the Chief Accountant
Not checked |
Strongly agree |
Somewhat agree |
Neither agree nor disagree |
Somewhat disagree |
Strongly disagree |
Do not know |
Not applicable |
Number of respondents |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
% | % | % | % | % | % | % | % | |
0.0 | 45.1 | 25.5 | 9.8 | 3.9 | 2.0 | 5.9 | 7.8 | 51 |
9. If there are any other issues, details, or information concerning
communication between and within divisions and offices that you would like us to
know about, please use the space below to provide this information.
Section 3 - Leadership and Management
Notes on terms used in Section 3:
(1)
Division/office: For purposes of this survey, the phrase
"division/office" refers to your division or office (such as the Division
of Corporation Finance or OCIE in the Headquarters or the Division of
Enforcement or OCIE in a regional office).
(2) Supervisors and
managers: The phrase "supervisors and managers" refers to those in
supervisory or management positions below your current level that you
oversee such as Assistant Directors or those in the SK-15 to SK-17 grades that
you oversee.
(3) Management: For purposes of this
survey, "management" refers to Assistant Directors and those at the Senior
Officer (SO) level including Directors, Deputy Directors, Managing Executives,
and Associate Directors.
Please note: Some questions ask
you to look back over the past three years. If you have worked at the SEC for
less than three years, we ask that you look back over the period of time that
you have worked at the SEC.
10. To what extent do you agree or disagree with the following statements
regarding the quality of management and leadership in your division/office?
(Select one response per item.)
10a. In my division/office, the roles and responsibilities of Senior Officers are clearly defined.
Not checked |
Strongly agree |
Somewhat agree |
Neither agree nor disagree |
Somewhat disagree |
Strongly disagree |
Do not know |
Number of respondents |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
% | % | % | % | % | % | % | |
0.0 | 64.0 | 24.0 | 6.0 | 6.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 50 |
10b. In my division/office the roles and responsibilities of non-Senior Officer supervisors and managers are clearly defined.
Not checked |
Strongly agree |
Somewhat agree |
Neither agree nor disagree |
Somewhat disagree |
Strongly disagree |
Do not know |
Number of respondents |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
% | % | % | % | % | % | % | |
0.0 | 42.9 | 44.9 | 6.1 | 6.1 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 49 |
10c. Senior Officers in my division/office are genuinely interested in the opinions of their staff.
Not checked |
Strongly agree |
Somewhat agree |
Neither agree nor disagree |
Somewhat disagree |
Strongly disagree |
Do not know |
Number of respondents |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
% | % | % | % | % | % | % | |
0.0 | 70.0 | 20.0 | 4.0 | 2.0 | 4.0 | 0.0 | 50 |
10d. Non-Senior Officer supervisors and managers in my division/office are genuinely interested in the opinions of their staff.
Not checked |
Strongly agree |
Somewhat agree |
Neither agree nor disagree |
Somewhat disagree |
Strongly disagree |
Do not know |
Number of respondents |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
% | % | % | % | % | % | % | |
0.0 | 46.9 | 42.9 | 4.1 | 2.0 | 0.0 | 4.1 | 49 |
10e. In my office/division, promotion to management is based more on substantive experience or qualifications than on personal connections or favoritism.
Not checked |
Strongly agree |
Somewhat agree |
Neither agree nor disagree |
Somewhat disagree |
Strongly disagree |
Do not know |
Number of respondents |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
% | % | % | % | % | % | % | |
0.0 | 78.0 | 10.0 | 4.0 | 2.0 | 4.0 | 2.0 | 50 |
10f. Over the past 3 years, I have seen SEC staff leave due to being dissatisfied with a supervisor or manager.
Not checked |
Strongly agree |
Somewhat agree |
Neither agree nor disagree |
Somewhat disagree |
Strongly disagree |
Do not know |
Number of respondents |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
% | % | % | % | % | % | % | |
0.0 | 12.0 | 16.0 | 18.0 | 24.0 | 28.0 | 2.0 | 50 |
11. Are the numbers of supervisors and managers currently in your
division/office more than is needed, less than is needed, or an appropriate
amount given the current workload?
Not checked |
More than needed |
An appropriate amount |
Less than needed |
Do not know |
Number of respondents |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
% | % | % | % | % | |
0.0 | 18.0 | 62.0 | 18.0 | 2.0 | 50 |
12. Are the numbers of supervisory levels currently in your
division/office more than is needed, less than is needed, or an appropriate
amount given the current workload?
Not checked |
More than needed |
An appropriate amount |
Less than needed |
Do not know |
Number of respondents |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
% | % | % | % | % | |
0.0 | 6.0 | 82.0 | 10.0 | 2.0 | 50 |
13. If there are any other issues, details, or information concerning
leadership and management at the SEC that you would like us to know about,
please use the space below to provide this information.
Section 4 - Performance Management and Promotions
Notes on terms used in Section 4:
(1)
Management: For purposes of this survey, "management" refers to
those at the Senior Officer (SO) level (Associate Director, Deputy
Director, etc.).
(2) Supervisors and managers: The
phrase "supervisors and managers" refers to those in supervisory or management
positions below your current level that you oversee such as Assistant
Directors or those in the SK-15 to SK-17 grades that you oversee.
14. To what extent do you agree or disagree with the following statements
regarding how SEC management recognizes and rewards performance in your
division/office? (Select one response per item.)
14a. Overall, Senior Officers deal effectively with poor performing supervisors and managers.
Not checked |
Strongly agree |
Somewhat agree |
Neither agree nor disagree |
Somewhat disagree |
Strongly disagree |
Do not know |
Number of respondents |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
% | % | % | % | % | % | % | |
0.0 | 16.0 | 46.0 | 10.0 | 22.0 | 6.0 | 0.0 | 50 |
14b. In my division/office, Senior Officers have the resources (including training and support from OHR and OGC) they need to effectively deal with poor performing employees.
Not checked |
Strongly agree |
Somewhat agree |
Neither agree nor disagree |
Somewhat disagree |
Strongly disagree |
Do not know |
Number of respondents |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
% | % | % | % | % | % | % | |
0.0 | 18.4 | 40.8 | 10.2 | 20.4 | 10.2 | 0.0 | 49 |
14c. The opportunities in my division/office to get promoted into a management position are limited.
Not checked |
Strongly agree |
Somewhat agree |
Neither agree nor disagree |
Somewhat disagree |
Strongly disagree |
Do not know |
Number of respondents |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
% | % | % | % | % | % | % | |
0.0 | 40.0 | 38.0 | 2.0 | 14.0 | 6.0 | 0.0 | 50 |
14d. Current performance incentives are effective tools to motivate employees to perform well.
Not checked |
Strongly agree |
Somewhat agree |
Neither agree nor disagree |
Somewhat disagree |
Strongly disagree |
Do not know |
Number of respondents |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
% | % | % | % | % | % | % | |
0.0 | 8.0 | 12.0 | 10.0 | 38.0 | 32.0 | 0.0 | 50 |
15. In the past three years, to what extent do you agree or disagree that you
have been treated fairly in each of the areas listed below? (Select one
response per item.)
15a. Career advancement (Promotions)
Not checked |
Strongly agree |
Somewhat agree |
Neither agree nor disagree |
Somewhat disagree |
Strongly disagree |
No basis to judge |
Do not know |
Number of respondents |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
% | % | % | % | % | % | % | % | |
0.0 | 54.0 | 22.0 | 16.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 8.0 | 0.0 | 50 |
15b. Awards
Not checked |
Strongly agree |
Somewhat agree |
Neither agree nor disagree |
Somewhat disagree |
Strongly disagree |
No basis to judge |
Do not know |
Number of respondents |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
% | % | % | % | % | % | % | % | |
0.0 | 38.0 | 30.0 | 16.0 | 8.0 | 2.0 | 6.0 | 0.0 | 50 |
15c. Training
Not checked |
Strongly agree |
Somewhat agree |
Neither agree nor disagree |
Somewhat disagree |
Strongly disagree |
No basis to judge |
Do not know |
Number of respondents |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
% | % | % | % | % | % | % | % | |
0.0 | 46.0 | 28.0 | 20.0 | 2.0 | 0.0 | 4.0 | 0.0 | 50 |
15d. Performance appraisals
Not checked |
Strongly agree |
Somewhat agree |
Neither agree nor disagree |
Somewhat disagree |
Strongly disagree |
No basis to judge |
Do not know |
Number of respondents |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
% | % | % | % | % | % | % | % | |
0.0 | 50.0 | 14.0 | 18.0 | 12.0 | 2.0 | 4.0 | 0.0 | 50 |
15e. Job assignments
Not checked |
Strongly agree |
Somewhat agree |
Neither agree nor disagree |
Somewhat disagree |
Strongly disagree |
No basis to judge |
Do not know |
Number of respondents |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
% | % | % | % | % | % | % | % | |
0.0 | 60.0 | 20.0 | 14.0 | 0.0 | 2.0 | 4.0 | 0.0 | 50 |
15f. Discipline
Not checked |
Strongly agree |
Somewhat agree |
Neither agree nor disagree |
Somewhat disagree |
Strongly disagree |
No basis to judge |
Do not know |
Number of respondents |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
% | % | % | % | % | % | % | % | |
0.0 | 40.0 | 6.0 | 16.0 | 6.0 | 0.0 | 30.0 | 2.0 | 50 |
15g. Pay
Not checked |
Strongly agree |
Somewhat agree |
Neither agree nor disagree |
Somewhat disagree |
Strongly disagree |
No basis to judge |
Do not know |
Number of respondents |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
% | % | % | % | % | % | % | % | |
0.0 | 42.0 | 26.0 | 18.0 | 10.0 | 2.0 | 2.0 | 0.0 | 50 |
16. To what extent do you agree or disagree with the following statements
regarding SEC's performance management system in place in 2018? (Select one
response per item.)
16a. SEC's performance management system uses relevant criteria to evaluate my performance.
Not checked |
Strongly agree |
Somewhat agree |
Neither agree nor disagree |
Somewhat disagree |
Strongly disagree |
Do not know |
Number of respondents |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
% | % | % | % | % | % | % | |
0.0 | 18.0 | 42.0 | 10.0 | 22.0 | 6.0 | 2.0 | 50 |
16b. SEC's performance management system allows supervisors and managers to have a meaningful discussion with their staff on how they are performing.
Not checked |
Strongly agree |
Somewhat agree |
Neither agree nor disagree |
Somewhat disagree |
Strongly disagree |
Do not know |
Number of respondents |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
% | % | % | % | % | % | % | |
0.0 | 16.3 | 32.7 | 22.4 | 14.3 | 12.2 | 2.0 | 49 |
16c. The time it takes me to develop, review, and formalize performance assessments under SEC's current performance management system is unreasonable.
Not checked |
Strongly agree |
Somewhat agree |
Neither agree nor disagree |
Somewhat disagree |
Strongly disagree |
Do not know |
Number of respondents |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
% | % | % | % | % | % | % | |
0.0 | 22.0 | 32.0 | 14.0 | 24.0 | 6.0 | 2.0 | 50 |
16d. SEC's performance management system provides consistent standards for rewarding performance.
Not checked |
Strongly agree |
Somewhat agree |
Neither agree nor disagree |
Somewhat disagree |
Strongly disagree |
Do not know |
Number of respondents |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
% | % | % | % | % | % | % | |
0.0 | 12.2 | 18.4 | 16.3 | 28.6 | 22.4 | 2.0 | 49 |
16e. Changes need to be made to increase transparency in the process used to rate performance.
Not checked |
Strongly agree |
Somewhat agree |
Neither agree nor disagree |
Somewhat disagree |
Strongly disagree |
Do not know |
Number of respondents |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
% | % | % | % | % | % | % | |
0.0 | 8.0 | 24.0 | 32.0 | 20.0 | 14.0 | 2.0 | 50 |
16f. Calibration of performance ratings by management improves fairness in the performance management system.
Not checked |
Strongly agree |
Somewhat agree |
Neither agree nor disagree |
Somewhat disagree |
Strongly disagree |
Do not know |
Number of respondents |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
% | % | % | % | % | % | % | |
0.0 | 12.0 | 52.0 | 20.0 | 10.0 | 4.0 | 2.0 | 50 |
16g. Employee performance appraisals are fair and appropriate under SEC's performance management system.
Not checked |
Strongly agree |
Somewhat agree |
Neither agree nor disagree |
Somewhat disagree |
Strongly disagree |
Do not know |
Number of respondents |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
% | % | % | % | % | % | % | |
0.0 | 16.7 | 43.8 | 14.6 | 18.8 | 2.1 | 4.2 | 48 |
17. If there are any other issues, details, or information concerning
performance management and promotions at the SEC that you would like us to know
about, please use the space below to provide this information.
Section 5 - Organizational Culture and Climate
Notes on terms used in Section 5:
(1)
Division/office: For purposes of this survey, the phrase
"division/office" refers to your division or office (such as the Division
of Corporation Finance or OCIE in the Headquarters or the Division of
Enforcement or OCIE in a regional office).
(2) Supervisors and
managers: The phrase "supervisors and managers" refers to those in
supervisory or management positions below your current level that you
oversee such as Assistant Directors or those in the SK-15 to SK-17 grades that
you oversee.
18. To what extent do you agree or disagree with the following statements
regarding different aspects of organizational culture and climate within your
division/office? (Select one response per item.)
18a. There is an atmosphere of trust in my division/office.
Not checked |
Strongly agree |
Somewhat agree |
Neither agree nor disagree |
Somewhat disagree |
Strongly disagree |
Do not know |
Number of respondents |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
% | % | % | % | % | % | % | |
0.0 | 48.0 | 40.0 | 2.0 | 4.0 | 6.0 | 0.0 | 50 |
18b. Employee morale is generally high most of the time.
Not checked |
Strongly agree |
Somewhat agree |
Neither agree nor disagree |
Somewhat disagree |
Strongly disagree |
Do not know |
Number of respondents |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
% | % | % | % | % | % | % | |
0.0 | 38.0 | 44.0 | 6.0 | 8.0 | 4.0 | 0.0 | 50 |
18c. I have a voice in decisions that affect me and my work environment.
Not checked |
Strongly agree |
Somewhat agree |
Neither agree nor disagree |
Somewhat disagree |
Strongly disagree |
Do not know |
Number of respondents |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
% | % | % | % | % | % | % | |
0.0 | 56.0 | 30.0 | 4.0 | 6.0 | 4.0 | 0.0 | 50 |
18d. Senior Officers tolerate honest mistakes.
Not checked |
Strongly agree |
Somewhat agree |
Neither agree nor disagree |
Somewhat disagree |
Strongly disagree |
Do not know |
Number of respondents |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
% | % | % | % | % | % | % | |
0.0 | 60.0 | 32.0 | 2.0 | 2.0 | 2.0 | 2.0 | 50 |
18e. Supervisors and managers tolerate honest mistakes.
Not checked |
Strongly agree |
Somewhat agree |
Neither agree nor disagree |
Somewhat disagree |
Strongly disagree |
Do not know |
Number of respondents |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
% | % | % | % | % | % | % | |
0.0 | 56.0 | 38.0 | 0.0 | 2.0 | 0.0 | 4.0 | 50 |
18f. There are clearly defined policies and procedures for doing my work.
Not checked |
Strongly agree |
Somewhat agree |
Neither agree nor disagree |
Somewhat disagree |
Strongly disagree |
Do not know |
Number of respondents |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
% | % | % | % | % | % | % | |
0.0 | 42.0 | 50.0 | 4.0 | 4.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 50 |
18g. Innovative ideas are encouraged in my division/office.
Not checked |
Strongly agree |
Somewhat agree |
Neither agree nor disagree |
Somewhat disagree |
Strongly disagree |
Do not know |
Number of respondents |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
% | % | % | % | % | % | % | |
0.0 | 54.2 | 37.5 | 4.2 | 2.1 | 2.1 | 0.0 | 48 |
18h. Fear of public scandals has made SEC overly cautious and risk-averse.
Not checked |
Strongly agree |
Somewhat agree |
Neither agree nor disagree |
Somewhat disagree |
Strongly disagree |
Do not know |
Number of respondents |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
% | % | % | % | % | % | % | |
0.0 | 10.0 | 28.0 | 14.0 | 30.0 | 16.0 | 2.0 | 50 |
18i. In my view, the fear of being wrong makes Senior Officers in my division/office reluctant to take a stand on important issues.
Not checked |
Strongly agree |
Somewhat agree |
Neither agree nor disagree |
Somewhat disagree |
Strongly disagree |
Do not know |
Number of respondents |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
% | % | % | % | % | % | % | |
0.0 | 6.0 | 14.0 | 2.0 | 40.0 | 38.0 | 0.0 | 50 |
18j. In my view, the fear of being wrong makes non-Senior Officer supervisors and managers in my division/office reluctant to take a stand on important issues.
Not checked |
Strongly agree |
Somewhat agree |
Neither agree nor disagree |
Somewhat disagree |
Strongly disagree |
Do not know |
Number of respondents |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
% | % | % | % | % | % | % | |
0.0 | 8.2 | 20.4 | 8.2 | 36.7 | 24.5 | 2.0 | 49 |
19. With respect to the hiring freeze that began in January of 2017, what
effect, if any, has the hiring freeze had on your division/office's
morale?
Not checked | Positive effect | No effect | Negative effect | No basis to judge | Do not know | Number of respondents |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
% | % | % | % | % | % | |
0.0 | 0.0 | 8.0 | 90.0 | 2.0 | 0.0 | 50 |
a. How large of a positive effect has the hiring freeze had on your
division/office's morale?
a. How large of a negative effect has the hiring freeze had on your
division/office's morale?
Not checked |
Large negative effect |
Moderate negative effect |
Small negative effect |
No opinion |
Number of respondents |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
% | % | % | % | % | |
0.0 | 36.4 | 38.6 | 20.5 | 4.5 | 44 |
20. If there are any other issues, details, or information concerning the
organizational culture or climate at the SEC or in your division/office that you
would like us to know about, please use the space below to provide this
information.
Section 6 - Demographic and Background Information
21. In which location or regional office do you work?
Not checked |
Washington, D.C. (Headquarters) |
Atlanta |
Boston |
Chicago |
Denver |
Fort Worth |
Los Angeles |
Miami |
New York |
Philadelphia |
Salt Lake |
San Francisco |
Number of respondents |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
% | % | % | % | % | % | % | % | % | % | % | % | % | |
0.0 | 67.3 | 0.0 | 4.1 | 2.0 | 2.0 | 4.1 | 4.1 | 2.0 | 10.2 | 4.1 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 49 |
22. In which SEC division or office do you currently work?
Not checked |
Division of Enforcement |
Division of Corporation Finance |
Division of Investment Management |
Division of Trading and Markets |
Division of Economic and Risk Analysis |
Office of Compliance Inspections and Examinations |
Office of Credit Ratings |
Office of Information Technology |
Office of the Chief Accountant |
Other |
Number of respondents |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
% | % | % | % | % | % | % | % | % | % | % | |
0.0 | 40.8 | 12.2 | 6.1 | 8.2 | 2.0 | 12.2 | 2.0 | 6.1 | 8.2 | 2.0 | 49 |
Please specify the "other" division or
office where you currently
work:
23. Which of the following best describes your position?
Not checked |
Director |
Associate Director |
Associate Regional Director |
General Counsel |
Deputy General Counsel |
Associate General Counsel |
Deputy Director |
Regional Director |
Deputy Regional Director |
Managing Executive |
Other |
Number of respondents |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
% | % | % | % | % | % | % | % | % | % | % | % | |
0.0 | 16.7 | 45.8 | 18.8 | 2.1 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 12.5 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 2.1 | 2.1 | 48 |
Please specify your position:
24. What is your current level or grade?
Please specify your current level or grade:
25. How long have you worked for the SEC (please include total years of
service with SEC if you left SEC and came back again)?
Not checked |
Less than 1 year |
1 to less than 2 years |
2 to less than 3 years |
3 to less than 5 years |
5 to less than 10 years |
10 to less than 15 years |
15 to less than 20 years |
More than 20 years |
Number of respondents |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
% | % | % | % | % | % | % | % | % | |
0.0 | 4.3 | 2.1 | 6.4 | 6.4 | 23.4 | 17.0 | 21.3 | 19.1 | 47 |
26. How many years did you work outside of SEC, but in a position related to
the type of work SEC conducts or that dealt with issues SEC covers?
Not checked |
No related outside employment |
Less than 1 year |
1 to less than 2 years |
2 to less than 3 years |
3 to less than 5 years |
5 to less than 10 years |
10 to less than 15 years |
15 to less than 20 years |
More than 20 years |
Number of respondents |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
% | % | % | % | % | % | % | % | % | % | |
0.0 | 10.4 | 0.0 | 2.1 | 4.2 | 10.4 | 37.5 | 14.6 | 6.3 | 14.6 | 48 |
Section 7 - Comments and Final Response Submission
27. Please use the space below to provide any additional information about
the SEC's human capital programs, workforce planning, performance management,
and communication that you would like us to know about.
28. Are you ready to submit your final completed survey to
GAO?
(This is equivalent to mailing a completed paper survey to
us. It tells us that your answers are official and final.)