This report summarizes findings from 25 years of survey research have and examines trends over time. The report discusses factors that have likely influenced employee opinion, such as agency, gender, and ethnicity and race. On a positive note, survey results show that the Federal Government has some enduring strengths and has improved in many areas. “We found that the vast majority of Federal employees believe that their work is meaningful and important, and that satisfaction with their pay has increased significantly,” stated Chairman Neil A. G. McPhie. However, survey results also show that challenges remain.
Executive Summary i
Introduction 1
Data Presentation and Analysis 3
Influences on Federal Employee Opinions 7
Overall Trends and Patterns in Federal Employee Opinions 13
Survey Results from 1983 to 2007 17
Satisfaction with the Supervisor 25
Compensation, Recognition, and Fair Treatment 31
Discrimination 39
Prohibited Personnel Practices 45
Conclusions and Recommendations 51
Appendix A: Merit System Principles 56
Appendix B: Prohibited Personnel Practices 57
Appendix C: Merit Principles Survey Items by Group 58
Federal employees, their supervisors, agency management, union personnel, especially Human Capital officers and employees across the U.S. Federal Government may be interested in this report. Additionally, members of Congress, and Federal managers within the Office of Management and Budget, and Office of Personnel Management that is responsible for policy making authority may find this guide helpful as a reference with human resources and civil service matters. Additionally, students pursuing research for courses within these fields, especially public administration, human resources, employment law, organizational development, and industrial-organizational psychology may find this primary source document that deals with civil service issues helpful for assignments.
