The Professionalization of Administration and Equal Employment Opportunity in the U. S. Federal Government

During the 20th century, the process of professionalization widened the status distance between upper- and lower-level jobs in both public and private organizations. This process included the development of formal career lines for both administrative and professional jobs distinct from the career lines for lower-level positions. However, a statistical analysis of personnel outcomes for the 15 largest agencies of the federal government during 1962-77 shows that lower-level employees frequently moved into entry-level administrative positions. This suggests that upward-mobility programs begun during these years successfully countered professionalization trends and allowed the proportion of entry-level administrative positions filled internally to increase. Women and minorities were the primary beneficiaries. The implications for further career advancement are discussed.