Bureaucratic Response to Civil Service Reform

On January 19, 1978 in his State of the Union message, President Carter stated that his proposed reform of the United States Civil Service was absolutely vital to fulfill his promise of government that is efficient, open, and truly worthy of our people's understanding and respect.' The passage of the Civil Service Reform Act thus constitutes one of the major accomplishments of the Carter administration. To date much has been heard and written concerning the public's view of the need for civil service reform. Veteran's groups made themselves heard concerning their interest in retention of veteran's preference.2 Academicians proffered well thought out weaknesses of the Carter proposals.3 Women and minority groups speculated on the impact of the reform.4 Administrative spokespersons expressed their view of the plan,s and civil libertarians commented on reform implications.6 Little is known, however, of the views of the people directly affected by the major portions of the legislation. This study investigates the views of top level executives who constitute the target population of a significant portion of the reforms and who will have the major responsibility for implementing these changes.