A report into the Cook Islands public service says many people in senior positions are without leadership or management skills.
The government-commissioned report, the Public Sector Strategy 2016 - 2025, outlines a number of issues affecting government workers.
The report finds the number of people employed in the public service continues to grow, comprising almost 17 percent of the population and 40 percent of the total workforce.
The Public Services Commissioner, Russell Thomas, says the public is not concerned with the growing number of government workers, rather the quality of service being provided.
The report says there are a number of issues affecting the public service's ability to attract and retain high performing employees.
That includes financial constraints, poor workforce planning, inconsistent performance management, the absence of career pathways and poor recruitment practices.
Cook Islands public service commissioner Photo: RNZI / Mary Baines
