The Public Service Commission conducted a study on the impact of recruitment and selection practices in 35 national and provincial departments. They found widespread non-compliance with policies and legislation, perceptions of nepotism and manipulation in the recruitment process, and incorrect staff placements negatively impacting performance. Departments were not properly analyzing job requirements or verifying that posts were funded. The PSC report recommends that departments strictly follow recruitment policies and toolkits to appoint qualified candidates, investigate challenges further, conduct longitudinal studies, and address non-compliance with policies to improve recruitment practices and functionality in the public service.