It’s no surprise when management doesn’t see eye-to-eye with rank and file on certain matters. But within the federal government, senior executives and those they oversee really disagree over how promotions are decided.

In the annual Best Places to Work in the Federal Government ® survey, 80% of the Senior Executive Service (SES) agreed with the statement: “Promotions in my work unit are based on merit.”

Employees don’t see things the same way, with only 30% agreeing with the above statement.

The same survey revealed at least a 20-point gap between managers and employees on three other workplace categories, effective leadership, support for diversity and strategic management.

-Noel Brinkerhoff

To Learn More:

The Growing Disconnect Between the SES and the Rest (by Lara Shane, Government Executive)

Worst Place to Work in U.S. Government? Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (by Matt Bewig, AllGov)

Worst Federal Agency to Work For: Newcomer Ousts Usual Suspects (by David Wallechinsky, AllGov)