Career risk and reward from productivity

This study examines the career rewards and risks from pursuing productivity improvement in local government. Based on a study of city managers and chi ef administrative officers in cities over 50,000, it finds that almost thre e-quarters of respondents report that implementing productivity improvement efforts makes them more attractive to both their present and future employ ers. In addition, almost half find that it helped them get a job in the pas t. Productivity enhances careers by increasing the reputation and effective ness of managers in dealing with critical issues facing organizations. Posi tive career impacts from productivity improvement are strongly correlated w ith values of professionalism. Organizational cultures of fear and entitlem ent reduce career rewards, even when controlling for the fewer productivity improvement strategies that are implemented in organizations with such cul tures. The study concludes with practical suggestions for increasing the ca reer rewards from productivity improvement.