2011 Federal Employee Viewpoint Survey- Comparison Results 

Overseas Private Investment Corporation (OPIC) 

The enclosed report provides a comparison of the 2011 OPIC Employee Viewpoint Survey results with 

the OPM issued government-wide 2011 Federal Employee Viewpoint Survey results. The Employee 

Viewpoint Survey is a tool that measures employees’ perceptions of whether, and to what extent, 

conditions that characterize successful organizations are present in their agencies. The survey: 

• Provides general indicators of how well the Federal Government is running its human resource 

management systems. 

• Serves as a tool for OPM to assess individual agencies and their progress on strategic 

management of human capital. 

• Gives senior managers critical information to answer the question: What can I do to make my 

agency work better? 

The Federal Employee Viewpoint Survey was administered to full-time, permanent employees. While 

OPM administered the survey for most agencies, OPIC chose to self administer the survey so that results 

could be broken down by department. 

Of the 540,727 employees (97% of the executive branch workforce) receiving surveys, 266,276 

completed the survey for a Government response rate of 49.3%. At OPIC, of the 182 employees who 

were eligible by OPM standards to participate in the 2011 survey, 151 employees responded, resulting in 

a response rate of 83% - significantly higher than the government-wide average. 

Overall, OPIC employees responded more positively to more than 83% of the survey questions compared 

with the general government population. Noteworthy areas where OPIC employees showed a significant 

(greater than 15%) difference in positive ratings compared with overall government are as follows: 

Survey Questions 2011 OPIC

vs. Overall

Government

Physical conditions (for example, noise level, temperature, lighting, cleanliness in the 

workplace) allow employees to perform their jobs well. 

↑20% 

My work unit is able to recruit people with the right skills. ↑25% 

Creativity and innovation are rewarded. ↑23% 

I believe the results of this survey will be used to make my agency a better place to work. ↑15% 

In my organization, leaders generate high levels of motivation and commitment to the 

workforce. 

↑16% 

Managers communicate the goals and priorities of the organization. ↑15% 

Managers support collaboration across work units to accomplish work objectives. ↑15% 

Senior leaders demonstrate support for Work/Life programs. ↑18% 

How satisfied are you with the information you receive from management on what’s going on 

in your organization? 

↑21% 

How satisfied are you with the policies and practices of your senior leaders? ↑16% 

How satisfied are you with the following Work/Life programs in your agency? Telework ↑25% 

How satisfied are you with the following Work/Life programs in your agency? Health and 

Wellness Programs 

↑35% 
This is a summary OPIC employee responses to the 2011 OPIC Employee Viewpoint Survey. This summary displays results 

by Positive, Neutral, Negative and where applicable, Do Not Know or No Basis to Judge responses. As shown below, for each 

response scale two responses are categorized as “Positive”, one response is categorized as “Neutral”, and two responses are 

categorized as “Negative”. 

Positive Responses Neutral Responses Negative Responses 

Strongly Agree Agree Neither Agree nor Disagree Disagree Strongly Disagree 

Overseas Private Investment Corporation Trend Report 

My Work Experiences 

01 I am given a real opportunity to improve my skills in my organization. 

 Positive Neutral Negative 

2011 OPIC Employee Viewpoint Survey 68% 15% 17% 

2011 Government wide Survey - Overall Results 67% 16% 17% 

Difference in Positive Ratings ↑1% 

02 I have enough information to do my job well.

 Positive Neutral Negative 

2011 OPIC Employee Viewpoint Survey 76% 13% 11% 

2011 Government wide Survey - Overall Results 74% 14% 12% 

Difference in Positive Ratings ↑2% 

03 I feel encouraged to come up with new and better ways of doing things.

 Positive Neutral Negative 

2011 OPIC Employee Viewpoint Survey 71% 14% 15% 

2011 Government wide Survey - Overall Results 62% 18% 21% 

Difference in Positive Ratings ↑9% 

04 My work gives me a feeling of personal accomplishment.

 Positive Neutral Negative 

2011 OPIC Employee Viewpoint Survey 77% 10% 13% 

2011 Government wide Survey - Overall Results 75% 14% 12% 

Difference in Positive Ratings ↑2% 

05 I like the kind of work I do.

 Positive Neutral Negative 

2011 OPIC Employee Viewpoint Survey 88% 5% 6% 
2011 Government wide Survey - Overall Results 85% 10% 5% 

Difference in Positive Ratings ↑3% 

 

06 I know what is expected of me on the job.

 Positive Neutral Negative 

2011 OPIC Employee Viewpoint Survey 80% 10% 10% 

2011 Government wide Survey - Overall Results 80% 11% 9% 

Difference in Positive Ratings 0% 

07 When needed I am willing to put in the extra effort to get the job done. 

 Positive Neutral Negative 

2011 OPIC Employee Viewpoint Survey 97% 1% 2% 

2011 Government wide Survey - Overall Results 97% 2% 1% 

Difference in Positive Ratings 0% 

08 I am constantly looking for ways to do my job better.

 Positive Neutral Negative 

2011 OPIC Employee Viewpoint Survey 90% 7% 3% 

2011 Government wide Survey - Overall Results 92% 7% 1% 

Difference in Positive Ratings ↓2% 

09 I have sufficient resources (for example, people, materials, budget) to get my job done.

 Positive Neutral Negative 

2011 OPIC Employee Viewpoint Survey 49% 16% 34% 

2011 Government wide Survey - Overall Results 49% 17% 34% 

Difference in Positive Ratings 0% 

10 My workload is reasonable.

 Positive Neutral Negative 

2011 OPIC Employee Viewpoint Survey 52% 23% 25% 

2011 Government wide Survey - Overall Results 59% 17% 25% 

Difference in Positive Ratings ↓7%

11 My talents are used well in the workplace.

 Positive Neutral Negative 

2011 OPIC Employee Viewpoint Survey 65% 18% 16% 

2011 Government wide Survey - Overall Results 61% 16% 22% 

Difference in Positive Ratings ↑4% 

12 I know how my work relates to the agency’s goals and priorities.

 Positive Neutral Negative 

2011 OPIC Employee Viewpoint Survey 82% 10% 8% 

2011 Government wide Survey - Overall Results 85% 9% 6% 

Difference in Positive Ratings ↓3% 

13 The work I do is important.

 Positive Neutral Negative 

2011 OPIC Employee Viewpoint Survey 85% 8% 7% 

2011 Government wide Survey - Overall Results 91% 7% 2% 

Difference in Positive Ratings ↓6% 
14 Physical conditions (for example, noise level, temperature, lighting, cleanliness in the workplace) allow 

employees to perform their jobs well.

 Positive Neutral Negative 

2011 OPIC Employee Viewpoint Survey 91% 5% 4% 

2011 Government wide Survey - Overall Results 71% 13% 16% 

Difference in Positive Ratings ↑20% 

15 My performance appraisal is a fair reflection of my performance. 

 Positive Neutral Negative 

2011 OPIC Employee Viewpoint Survey 79% 11% 10% 

2011 Government wide Survey - Overall Results 71% 14% 15% 

Difference in Positive Ratings ↑8% 

16 I am held accountable for achieving results.

 Positive Neutral Negative 

2011 OPIC Employee Viewpoint Survey 85% 10% 5% 

2011 Government wide Survey - Overall Results 85% 10% 4% 

Difference in Positive Ratings 0% 

17 I can disclose a suspected violation of any law, rule or regulation without fear of reprisal.

 Positive Neutral Negative 

2011 OPIC Employee Viewpoint Survey 69% 17% 14% 

2011 Government wide Survey - Overall Results 64% 19% 17% 

Difference in Positive Ratings ↑5% 

18 My training needs are assessed.

 Positive Neutral Negative 

2011 OPIC Employee Viewpoint Survey 55% 21% 23% 

2011 Government wide Survey - Overall Results 52% 24% 24% 

Difference in Positive Ratings ↑3% 

19 In my most recent performance appraisal, I understood what I had to do to be rated at different performance 

levels (for example, Fully Successful, Outstanding).

 Positive Neutral Negative 

2011 OPIC Employee Viewpoint Survey 66% 18% 16% 

2011 Government wide Survey - Overall Results 68% 15% 17% 

Difference in Positive Ratings ↓2% 

My Work Unit

20 The people I work with cooperate to get the job done.

 Positive Neutral Negative 

2011 OPIC Employee Viewpoint Survey 77% 13% 10% 

2011 Government wide Survey - Overall Results 77% 13% 10% 
Difference in Positive Ratings 0% 

21 My work unit is able to recruit people with the right skills.

 Positive Neutral Negative 

2011 OPIC Employee Viewpoint Survey 73% 12% 14% 

2011 Government wide Survey - Overall Results 48% 26% 26% 

Difference in Positive Ratings ↑25% 

22 Promotions in my work unit are based on merit.

 Positive Neutral Negative 

2011 OPIC Employee Viewpoint Survey 53% 33% 14% 

2011 Government wide Survey - Overall Results 42% 28% 30% 

Difference in Positive Ratings ↑11% 

23 In my work unit, steps are taken to deal with a poor performer who cannot or will not improve.

 Positive Neutral Negative 

2011 OPIC Employee Viewpoint Survey 44% 37% 19% 

2011 Government wide Survey - Overall Results 35% 28% 37% 

Difference in Positive Ratings ↑9% 

24 In my work unit, differences in performance are recognized in a meaningful way.

 Positive Neutral Negative 

2011 OPIC Employee Viewpoint Survey 48% 32% 20% 

2011 Government wide Survey - Overall Results 40% 29% 32% 

Difference in Positive Ratings ↑8% 

25 Awards in my work unit depend on how well employees perform their jobs. 

 Positive Neutral Negative 

2011 OPIC Employee Viewpoint Survey 58% 27% 16% 

2011 Government wide Survey - Overall Results 49% 24% 27% 

Difference in Positive Ratings ↑9% 

26 Employees in my work unit share job knowledge with each other.

 Positive Neutral Negative 

2011 OPIC Employee Viewpoint Survey 80% 12% 8% 

2011 Government wide Survey - Overall Results 75% 14% 12% 

Difference in Positive Ratings ↑5% 

27 The skill level in my work unit has improved in the past year?

 Positive Neutral Negative 

2011 OPIC Employee Viewpoint Survey 63% 26% 11% 

2011 Government wide Survey - Overall Results 59% 27% 14% 

Difference in Positive Ratings ↑4% 

28 How would you rate the overall quality of work done by your work unit?

 Positive Neutral Negative 

2011 OPIC Employee Viewpoint Survey 87% 8% 5% 

2011 Government wide Survey - Overall Results 85% 13% 3% 

Difference in Positive Ratings ↑2% 
My Agency

29 The workforce has the job-relevant knowledge and skills necessary to accomplish organizational goals.

 Positive Neutral Negative 

2011 OPIC Employee Viewpoint Survey 86% 10% 5% 

2011 Government wide Survey - Overall Results 74% 16% 10% 

Difference in Positive Ratings ↑12% 

30 Employees have a feeling of personal empowerment with respect to work processes.

 Positive Neutral Negative 

2011 OPIC Employee Viewpoint Survey 61% 25% 14%

2011 Government wide Survey - Overall Results 51% 25% 25% 

Difference in Positive Ratings ↑10% 

31 Employees are recognized for providing high quality products and services.

 Positive Neutral Negative 

2011 OPIC Employee Viewpoint Survey 70% 16% 14% 

2011 Government wide Survey - Overall Results 56% 22% 22% 

Difference in Positive Ratings ↑14% 

32 Creativity and innovation are rewarded.

 Positive Neutral Negative 

2011 OPIC Employee Viewpoint Survey 68% 16% 16% 

2011 Government wide Survey - Overall Results 45% 28% 27% 

Difference in Positive Ratings ↑23% 

33 Pay raises depend on how well employees perform their jobs.

 Positive Neutral Negative 

2011 OPIC Employee Viewpoint Survey 39% 34% 27% 

2011 Government wide Survey - Overall Results 28% 30% 43% 

Difference in Positive Ratings ↑11% 

34 Policies and programs promote diversity in the workplace (for example, recruiting minorities and women, 

training in awareness of diversity issues, mentoring).

 Positive Neutral Negative 

2011 OPIC Employee Viewpoint Survey 61% 30% 9% 

2011 Government wide Survey - Overall Results 61% 26% 13% 

Difference in Positive Ratings 0% 

35 Employees are protected from health and safety hazards on the job.

 Positive Neutral Negative 

2011 OPIC Employee Viewpoint Survey 91% 7% 2% 

2011 Government wide Survey - Overall Results 81% 12% 7% 

Difference in Positive Ratings ↑10% 

36 My organization has prepared employees for potential security threats.

 Positive Neutral Negative 

2011 OPIC Employee Viewpoint Survey 86% 7% 6% 

2011 Government wide Survey - Overall Results 77% 15% 8% 

Difference in Positive Ratings ↑9% 
37 Arbitrary action, personal favoritism and coercion for partisan political purposes are not tolerated.

 Positive Neutral Negative 

2011 OPIC Employee Viewpoint Survey 66% 21% 14% 

2011 Government wide Survey - Overall Results 56% 23% 22% 

Difference in Positive Ratings ↑10% 

38 Prohibited Personnel Practices (for example, illegally discriminating for or against any employee/applicant, 

obstructing a person’s right to compete for employment, knowingly violating veterans’ preference requirements) are 

not tolerated.

 Positive Neutral Negative 

2011 OPIC Employee Viewpoint Survey 75% 19% 5% 

2011 Government wide Survey - Overall Results 70% 18% 12% 

Difference in Positive Ratings ↑5% 

39 My agency is successful at accomplishing its mission.

 Positive Neutral Negative 

2011 OPIC Employee Viewpoint Survey 86% 8% 6% 

2011 Government wide Survey - Overall Results 80% 14% 6% 

Difference in Positive Ratings ↑6% 

40 I recommend my organization as a good place to work.

 Positive Neutral Negative 

2011 OPIC Employee Viewpoint Survey 82% 10% 8% 

2011 Government wide Survey - Overall Results 70% 18% 12% 

Difference in Positive Ratings ↑12% 

41 I believe the results of this survey will be used to make my agency a better place to work.

 Positive Neutral Negative 

2011 OPIC Employee Viewpoint Survey 62% 26% 12% 

2011 Government wide Survey - Overall Results 47% 29% 24% 

Difference in Positive Ratings ↑15% 

My Supervisor/Team Leader

42 My supervisor supports my need to balance work and other life issues.

 Positive Neutral Negative 

2011 OPIC Employee Viewpoint Survey 87% 8% 5% 

2011 Government wide Survey - Overall Results 80% 11% 9% 

Difference in Positive Ratings ↑7% 

43 My supervisor/team leader provides me with opportunities to demonstrate my leadership skills.

 Positive Neutral Negative 

2011 OPIC Employee Viewpoint Survey 75% 16% 9% 

2011 Government wide Survey - Overall Results 69% 16% 15% 

Difference in Positive Ratings ↑6% 

44 Discussions with my supervisor/team leader about my performance are worthwhile.

 Positive Neutral Negative 

2011 OPIC Employee Viewpoint Survey 73% 17% 10% 

2011 Government wide Survey - Overall Results 65% 19% 17% 

Difference in Positive Ratings ↑8% 
45 My supervisor/team leader is committed to a workforce representative of all segments of society.

 Positive Neutral Negative 

2011 OPIC Employee Viewpoint Survey 75% 20% 5% 

2011 Government wide Survey - Overall Results 69% 23% 9% 

Difference in Positive Ratings ↑6% 

46 My supervisor/team leader provides me with constructive suggestions to improve my job performance.

 Positive Neutral Negative 

2011 OPIC Employee Viewpoint Survey 74% 16% 10% 

2011 Government wide Survey - Overall Results 63% 20% 17% 

Difference in Positive Ratings ↑11% 

47 Supervisors/team leaders in my work unit support employee development.

 Positive Neutral Negative 

2011 OPIC Employee Viewpoint Survey 75% 14% 11% 

2011 Government wide Survey - Overall Results 70% 17% 13% 

Difference in Positive Ratings ↑5% 

48 My supervisor/team leader listens to what I have to say.

 Positive Neutral Negative 

2011 OPIC Employee Viewpoint Survey 86% 6% 8% 

2011 Government wide Survey - Overall Results 78% 12% 10% 

Difference in Positive Ratings ↑8% 

49 My supervisor/team leader treats me with respect.

 Positive Neutral Negative 

2011 OPIC Employee Viewpoint Survey 86% 7% 6% 

2011 Government wide Survey - Overall Results 82% 10% 8% 

Difference in Positive Ratings ↑4% 

50 In the last six months, my supervisor/team leader has talked with me about my performance.

 Positive Neutral Negative 

2011 OPIC Employee Viewpoint Survey 86% 6% 8%

2011 Government wide Survey - Overall Results 80% 9% 11% 

Difference in Positive Ratings ↑6% 

51 I have trust and confidence in my supervisor.

 Positive Neutral Negative 

2011 OPIC Employee Viewpoint Survey 78% 12% 10% 

2011 Government wide Survey - Overall Results 69% 16% 15% 

Difference in Positive Ratings ↑9% 

52 Overall, how good a job do you feel is being done by your immediate supervisor/team leader.

 Positive Neutral Negative 

2011 OPIC Employee Viewpoint Survey 80% 12% 9% 

2011 Government wide Survey - Overall Results 71% 18% 11% 

Difference in Positive Ratings ↑9% 
Leadership

53 In my organization, leaders generate high levels of motivation and commitment in the workforce.

 Positive Neutral Negative 

2011 OPIC Employee Viewpoint Survey 63% 20% 17% 

2011 Government wide Survey - Overall Results 47% 26% 27% 

Difference in Positive Ratings ↑16% 

54 My organization’s leaders maintain high standards of honesty and integrity.

 Positive Neutral Negative 

2011 OPIC Employee Viewpoint Survey 71% 18% 11% 

2011 Government wide Survey - Overall Results 60% 22% 18% 

Difference in Positive Ratings ↑11% 

55 Managers/supervisors/team leaders work well with employees of different backgrounds.

 Positive Neutral Negative 

2011 OPIC Employee Viewpoint Survey 71% 21% 7% 

2011 Government wide Survey - Overall Results 68% 20% 12% 

Difference in Positive Ratings ↑3% 

56 Managers communicate the goals and priorities of the organization.

 Positive Neutral Negative 

2011 OPIC Employee Viewpoint Survey 81% 9% 10% 

2011 Government wide Survey - Overall Results 66% 19% 15% 

Difference in Positive Ratings ↑15% 

57 Managers review and evaluate the organization’s progress toward meeting its goals and objectives.

 Positive Neutral Negative 

2011 OPIC Employee Viewpoint Survey 79% 14% 7% 

2011 Government wide Survey - Overall Results 66% 22% 13% 

Difference in Positive Ratings ↑13% 

58 Managers promote communication among different work units (for example, about projects, goals, needed 

resources).

 Positive Neutral Negative 

2011 OPIC Employee Viewpoint Survey 71% 14% 15% 

2011 Government wide Survey - Overall Results 57% 22% 21% 

Difference in Positive Ratings ↑14% 

59 Managers support collaboration across work units to accomplish work objectives.

 Positive Neutral Negative 

2011 OPIC Employee Viewpoint Survey 76% 13% 12% 

2011 Government wide Survey - Overall Results 61% 21% 18% 

Difference in Positive Ratings ↑15% 

60 Overall, how good a job do you feel is being done by the manager directly above your immediate supervisor/team 

leader.

 Positive Neutral Negative 

2011 OPIC Employee Viewpoint Survey 68% 20% 13% 

2011 Government wide Survey - Overall Results 60% 24% 16% 

Difference in Positive Ratings ↑8% 

61 I have a high level of respect for my organization’s senior leaders.
 Positive Neutral Negative 

2011 OPIC Employee Viewpoint Survey 68% 19% 13% 

2011 Government wide Survey - Overall Results 58% 22% 20% 

Difference in Positive Ratings ↑10% 

62 Senior leaders demonstrate support for Work/Life programs.

 Positive Neutral Negative 

2011 OPIC Employee Viewpoint Survey 77% 19% 4% 

2011 Government wide Survey - Overall Results 59% 25% 16% 

Difference in Positive Ratings ↑18% 

My Satisfaction

63 How satisfied are you with your involvement in decisions that affect your work?

 Positive Neutral Negative 

2011 OPIC Employee Viewpoint Survey 65% 23% 12% 

2011 Government wide Survey - Overall Results 56% 23% 22% 

Difference in Positive Ratings ↑9% 

64 How satisfied are you with the information you receive from management on what’s going on in your 

organization?

 Positive Neutral Negative 

2011 OPIC Employee Viewpoint Survey 74% 16% 10% 

2011 Government wide Survey - Overall Results 53% 23% 24% 

Difference in Positive Ratings ↑21% 

65 How satisfied are you with the recognition you receive for doing a good job?

 Positive Neutral Negative 

2011 OPIC Employee Viewpoint Survey 57% 22% 22% 

2011 Government wide Survey - Overall Results 55% 23% 23% 

Difference in Positive Ratings ↑2% 

66 How satisfied are you with the policies and practices of your senior leader?

 Positive Neutral Negative 

2011 OPIC Employee Viewpoint Survey 64% 23% 13% 

2011 Government wide Survey - Overall Results 48% 28% 24% 

Difference in Positive Ratings ↑16% 

67 How satisfied are you with your opportunity to get a better job in your organization?

 Positive Neutral Negative 

2011 OPIC Employee Viewpoint Survey 35% 40% 25% 

2011 Government wide Survey - Overall Results 41% 29% 30% 

Difference in Positive Ratings ↓6% 

68 How satisfied are you with the training you receive for your present job?

 Positive Neutral Negative 

2011 OPIC Employee Viewpoint Survey 59% 26% 15% 

2011 Government wide Survey - Overall Results 56% 24% 21% 

Difference in Positive Ratings ↑3% 
69 Considering everything, how satisfied are you with your job?

 Positive Neutral Negative 

2011 OPIC Employee Viewpoint Survey 75% 13% 12% 

2011 Government wide Survey - Overall Results 72% 16% 12% 

Difference in Positive Ratings ↑3% 

70 Considering everything, how satisfied are you with your pay?

 Positive Neutral Negative 

2011 OPIC Employee Viewpoint Survey 60% 14% 26% 

2011 Government wide Survey - Overall Results 66% 16% 18% 

Difference in Positive Ratings ↓6% 

71 Considering everything, how satisfied are you with your organization?

 Positive Neutral Negative 

2011 OPIC Employee Viewpoint Survey 74% 16% 10% 

2011 Government wide Survey - Overall Results 64% 20% 16% 

Difference in Positive Ratings ↑10% 

Work/Life

79 How satisfied are you with the following Work/Life programs in your agency? Telework

 Positive Neutral Negative 

2011 OPIC Employee Viewpoint Survey 77% 15% 8% 

2011 Government wide Survey - Overall Results 52% 28% 20% 

Difference in Positive Ratings ↑25% 

80 How satisfied are you with the following Work/Life programs in your agency? Alternative work schedules (AWS)

 Positive Neutral Negative 

2011 OPIC Employee Viewpoint Survey 71% 26% 3% 

2011 Government wide Survey - Overall Results 68% 21% 10% 

Difference in Positive Ratings ↑3% 

81 How satisfied are you with the following Work/Life programs in your agency? Health and Wellness Programs 

(for example, exercise, medical screening, quit smoking programs): 

 Positive Neutral Negative 

2011 OPIC Employee Viewpoint Survey 91% 9% 0% 

2011 Government wide Survey - Overall Results 56% 34% 10% 

Difference in Positive Ratings ↑35% 

82 How satisfied are you with the following Work/Life programs in your agency? Employee Assistance Program 

(EAP:

 Positive Neutral Negative 

2011 OPIC Employee Viewpoint Survey 37% 63% 0% 

2011 Government wide Survey - Overall Results 45% 50% 5% 

Difference in Positive Ratings ↓8% 

83 How satisfied are you with the following Work/Life programs in your agency? Child care programs ( for example, 

daycare, parenting classes, parenting support groups ): 

 Positive Neutral Negative 

2011 OPIC Employee Viewpoint Survey 37% 59% 4% 

2011 Government wide Survey - Overall Results 24% 67% 10% 
Difference in Positive Ratings ↑13% 

84 How satisfied are you with the following Work/Life programs in your agency? Elder care programs (for example, 

support groups, speakers): 

 Positive Neutral Negative 

2011 OPIC Employee Viewpoint Survey 25% 66% 9% 

2011 Government wide Survey - Overall Results 18% 74% 8% 

Difference in Positive Ratings ↑7%