Rian Zuberi 
Favoritism, Fairness and Equity in the Federal Workforce 
Perceptions, Impacts, and Recommendations for a Strong Merit System

The Merit System Principles (MSPs) promote an effective Federal workforce free of Prohibited Personnel Practices (PPPs). The MSPs serve as the foundation of Federal employment policy and practice, workplace fairness, and the Federal Government’s ability to effectively accomplish its goals. The Merit System Principles guide Federal supervisors to base their workforce decisions on objective criteria, such as assessments of ability or performance, rather than personal feelings and/or relationships, lest they be viewed as practicing personal favoritism. Favoritism is distinct from discrimination on legally protected bases and is frequently more difficult to clearly identify when it is occurring given the absence of visible cues on which the preference is made. However, like discrimination, favoritism is contrary to the ideals of the Federal merit systems. This book summarizes the findings of MSPB’s research into employee perspectives regarding the extent to which they believe that favoritism occurs within the Federal merit systems and its potential effects.