How Can Local Government Become an Employer of Choice for Technical Professionals? Lessons and Experiences From the City of Phoenix

Abstract

Using lessons and experiences from the city of Phoenix in information technology professional recruitment and retention, this article argues that in spite of public-sector constraints, local governments can and should become an employer of choice for technical professionals in this age of rapid change and technological progress. The article concludes that those who think and act strategically will more likely be the winners in the next technological rally.

Affective commitment in the public sector

“…Lan, Riley and Cayer, 2005 [46] has trouble recruiting/retaining IT folks because unfavorable public image.…”

What Makes an Organization a Great Place to Work in South Korea?

“…Researchers have examined how organizations have been recognized as desirable to current employees, potential employees, and the public (Filbeck & Preece, ; Fulmer, Gerhart, & Scott, ). Scholars have also suggested rewards to stock market participants, reputation/brand, support for work–family balance, and social responsibility as important criteria to be the “best employer,” “employer of choice,” “admired company,” or “great place to work” (Beauchamp & O'Connor, ; Branham, ; Fulmer et al, ; Lan, Riley, & Cayer, ). However, these studies have been conducted in Western contexts and have not suggested a specific framework for establishing a great workplace in other cultural ­settings.…”

“…Research on a great place to work has focused on exploring related factors that help create a more attractive workplace and positive organizational culture for employees (Beauchamp & O'Connor, ; Cropanzano & Wright, ; DeCotiis Sullivan, Hyatt, & Avery, ; Gill, ; Lan et al, ; Love & Singh, ; Norquist, Gilbert, King, Brown, & Clarke, ). For instance, DeCotiis et al () introduced a successful case of a restaurant chain service company that created a great place to work.…”

“…Th e features of a great place to work have been found to positively infl uence employees and organizational performance (Beauchamp & O'Connor, 2012;Fulmer et al, 2003;Lan et al, 2005;Ostroff & Bowen, 2000). In particular, Fulmer et al (2003) compared the 100 best companies to work for with other companies in the broad market and a group of matched companies in terms of employee attitudes and fi nancial performance.…”

Does Public Service Motivation really make a difference on the job satisfaction and turnover intention of U.S. Federal Senior Professional Employees?

“…With regard to government's tasks which involve with civil engineering, nuclear research, information technology, biotechnology, environmental protection, and medicine etc. [5] , it is highly required to solve problem creatively, develop plan strategically and propose as well as operate measurements unconventionally basing on the sustainable accumulation of knowledge and experiences, so to replace a professional maybe arduous at a high expense of time and resources. Subsequently, the low replication possibility of SL/ST employees is persuasively addressed to display their competitiveness in comparison of non-professionals.…”