ABSTRACT
This chapter describes the influence different values have on the objectives of the acquisition function. It also describes how characteristics of the workforce and the nature of contemporary work influence the acquisition function. Dynamism in the economy has forced many adaptations in the recruitment, selection, and retention of public employees. Most recruitment, selection, and promotion decisions are not made within a politicized environment. The chapter explores steps in the recruitment and selection process. It analyses practices that are likely to produce timely and valid hiring processes. The chapter discusses the comparative characteristics of centralized, decentralized, and electronic staffing techniques, and outsourcing. It also discusses the concept of test validation and validation strategies. The chapter reviews the value conflicts and the compromises that take place over the criteria used in the acquisition and planning functions. It explains how the contemporary labour market affects the view of work and how organizations of the affect the acquisition function.
