Presented in this document is a study undertaken by four State Advisory Committees to review the quality and the effectiveness of affirmative action activities in Iowa, Kansas, Missouri and Nebraska. An overview of the four States' agencies responsible for education administration, employment services, highways, police, and social services indicates that no State exhibits consistent success or consistent failure. Almost all agencies reviewed, however, are shown to be consistent in their underutilization of women and minorities. In addition, Federal agencies with monitoring responsibilities and/or funding capabilities are found to have made only minimal efforts to compel affirmative action and to have not used their authority over funds to promote affirmative action efforts by State governments. Findings, recommendations, and conclusions of the Advisory Committees are presented for the areas of recruiting, hiring, training, and the promotion of full representation of minorities and women in public sector employment. Appendices provide information on race and sex composition of State agencies, and a comparison of State and agency affirmative action plans with a model plan. (Author/EB)