Majority of Federal Workforce Concerned About Meeting Public's Expectations for Economic...
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
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