Career Risk and Reward from Productivity

Abstract

This study examines the career rewards and risks from pursuing productivity improvement in local government. Based on a study of city managers and chief administrative officers in cities over 50,000, it finds that almost three-quarters of respondents report that implementing productivity improvement efforts makes them more attractive to both their present and future employers. In addition, almost half find that it helped them get a job in the past. Productivity enhances careers by increasing the reputation and effectiveness of managers in dealing with critical issues facing organizations. Positive career impacts from productivity improvement are strongly correlated with values of professionalism. Organizational cultures of fear and entitlement reduce career rewards, even when controlling for the fewer productivity improvement strategies that are implemented in organizations with such cultures. The study concludes with practical suggestions for increasing the career rewards from productivity improvement.