Study finds positive impression of federal government workers

Most Americans view the federal government positively, but there still are some enduring stereotypes that must be dispelled, according to a study released Wednesday by the Partnership for Public Service.

"Despite long-standing negative stereotypes about government work, the research shows that Americans have a favorable impression of the federal government," according to the report, A New Call to Service in an Age of Savvy Altruism. "Our research found that more than 62 percent of the American people we surveyed view the federal government favorably, and 91 percent say that the jobs and duties of federal government workers are 'important' in their lives."

The report found also that future federal recruiting should advertise the opportunity to help others and advance a career. The report called this "idealism that takes you places."

During a press conference Wednesday, Partnership President Max Stier called the concept "savvy altruism."

"Unfortunately, that is not something that is well known outside of the federal workforce," he said. "People often look to the nonprofit sector when they want to make a difference, and not to the federal government."

The report also found that interest in federal employment is nonpartisan: Respondents from all points on the political spectrum indicated a fairly high level of interest. The largest roadblock for prospective employees, however, is the perception that the government is mired in red tape. Indeed, when asked their opinion of "federal government workers," 71 percent of respondents had favorable impressions but when asked about "federal government bureaucrats," that number plummeted to 20 percent.

Jim McLaughlin, a public service expert who helped with the report, said the impression of a thick bureaucracy is "far and away" the federal government's biggest image problem.

Stier said that the problem is not only aesthetic.

"The hiring process is something that encourages and enhances that stereotype," he said. It is an issue of "perception and reality, both of which need to be changed."

The survey of 600 likely voters was conducted in May. The report also found that 72 percent of respondents would be more likely "to vote for a candidate … who wants to make it a priority to recruit the best and the brightest to come work in the federal government."

The survey revealed that interest in federal employment diminishes in older age groups, and the least favorable views of government workers were found in Hispanic households.