Who has the authority to determine whether to merge quality categories?

The authority to determine whether to merge quality categories typically resides with the hiring manager. This is because the hiring manager is responsible for the recruitment process and must assess the quality of candidates based on the specific needs of the position and the team. Merging quality categories allows the hiring manager to streamline the evaluation process, potentially increasing the efficiency in identifying qualified candidates while ensuring that the assessment aligns with the job's requirements and organizational goals.

The involvement of other roles, such as the agency head, HR specialist, or employee representative, may come into play during broader policy discussions or procedural standards, but the direct decision-making regarding the merging of quality categories falls primarily under the purview of the hiring manager. This allows them to tailor the evaluation to the unique circumstances of the job they are filling, ultimately facilitating a more effective hiring process.