Majority of Federal Workforce Concerned About Meeting Public's Expectations
for Economic Stimulus Program
Study Shows Majority Feel 'Overwhelmed' or 'Anxious' About Ability to
Implement American Recovery and Reconstruction Act (ARRA)
WASHINGTON, July 10 /PRNewswire/ -- According to a new study by Government
Business Council (GBC), the research division of Government Executive Media
Group, most federal executives are not optimistic that their agencies will be
able to achieve all that the American Recovery and Reconstruction Act (ARRA)
has promised to taxpayers.
Federal managers report that they are focusing their agency's efforts to
contribute to the ARRA objectives of saving and creating jobs and jumpstarting
the economy, but that they are doing so with uncertainty. Specifically, the
majority of federal managers -- 54% -- report that they are "overwhelmed" or
"anxious" about the ARRA requirements and the management of ARRA so far.
The survey, conducted in May 2009, captures the views of 333 randomly selected
federal managers on the implementation of ARRA. According to the study, most
federal managers expect their agencies to have success in disbursing stimulus
funding but believe that the tracking and reporting of those funds, to meet
accountability and transparency standards, will be more difficult.
Despite being uncertain, managers do seem hopeful about ARRA, however, as 40%
feel that the program could serve as a catalyst to further changes in how
government works, possibly resulting in improving the public's view of
government.
"Our research indicates that federal managers are committed to the goals of
ARRA but are concerned that they may not have the resources to be fully
successful," stated Bryan Klopack, Director, Government Business Council.
GBC will present a free webinar on the study on July 16, 2009 at 2 p.m. More
information on the study and webinar can be found at www.govexec.com/gbc/.
"Government Business Council leads the way in tapping into the minds of
federal managers to understand their most pressing concerns," commented Matt
Dunie, General Manager, President, Government Executive Media Group. "By
focusing on understanding the challenges facing today's federal leaders, GBC
is able to identify where opportunities may exist for the private sector to
provide mission-critical expertise and assistance."
About Government Business Council (GBC)
As Government Executive Media Group's research and thought leadership
division, Government Business Council is dedicated to advancing the business
of government through analysis, insight and the sharing of best practices. By
leveraging Government Executive's proven credibility with senior federal
decision makers and its dedicated research capabilities, GBC is uniquely
positioned to develop comprehensive research on the federal government. For
more information about GBC, visit www.govexec.com/gbc/.
About Government Executive Media Group
Government Executive Media Group is the premier media resource for federal
managers. The magazine and related online and event properties cover the
entire spectrum of management challenges confronting federal executives in
civilian and defense agencies. Government Executive Media Group recently
introduced Nextgov.com, a web site focusing on technology-based business
solutions for government. For more information, visit
www.GovernmentExecutive.com or www.nextgov.com.
Contact: Will Colston, 202.266.7423
SOURCE Government Business Council
Will Colston of Government Business Council, +1-202-266-7423
