U.S. MERIT SYSTEMS PROTECTION BOARD 

2007 Annual Employee Survey Results 

 

 

1. Interpretation of results: An analysis of MSPB’s 2007 annual employee survey results indicates that MSPB’s 

performance on the survey continues to be strong. As in previous surveys, the findings suggest that MSPB 

employees have a clear sense of mission and enjoy and find worth in what they do. Furthermore, they feel 

MSPB’s workforce has the necessary skills, collaborative relationships, and physical working conditions to do 

quality work. 

MSPB compared the responses of the 2007 survey to MSPB’s responses on the 2004 and 2006 employee 

surveys. Overall, the results were fairly stable. MSPB noted improvements to questions regarding whether 

employees feel they have the tools necessary to do their job. For instance, they were more positive in 2007 as to 

whether they have coworkers with the right skills, good supervisory relationships, training for their current job, 

empowerment, and adequate physical conditions. MSPB also noted some areas for further consideration, 

including recognition and performance management. 

 

Finally, MSPB examined how the survey responses cluster into the four major indices of the Human Capital 

Assessment and Accountability Framework. OPM's metrics for the HCAAF systems include four indices based on 

items required in the annual employee survey. The four indices are: Leadership and Knowledge Management, 

Results-Oriented Performance Culture, Talent Management, and Job Satisfaction. Overall, there was no 

significant change in any of the indices between 2006 and 2007. This lack of change is further indication that 

while a few individual items on the survey may have seen some change in the past year, the overall results of the 

survey have remained rather stable. 

 

2. How the survey was conducted: 

The survey was conducted online from September 4 until November 2, 2007. An invitation to participate in the 

survey was sent via e-mail to all agency employees. The invitation included a link to the survey web site and a 

unique identification number and password to access the survey. 

The annual survey questions were embedded in the 2007 Merit Principles Survey (MPS). They were interspersed 

with MPS questions, based on question topic, in the following six sections of the MPS: My Job, My Immediate 

Supervisor, Performance Management, Managers and Executives in My Organization, Training and Development, 

and Demographic Questions. The three annual survey questions related to work environment were included in a 

section of their own titled Physical Work Environment and Safety. 

 

3. Description of sample: 

All 236 employees of the agency were invited to participate in the survey. 

 

4. Number of employees surveyed, number responded, and representativeness of respondents: 

The survey was distributed to all 236 MSPB employees of whom 193 responded for an overall response rate of 

81.8%. Of the 236 employees, 200 were non-supervisory employees; 158 or 79% of these employees responded. 

Thirty-six employees were supervisory; 35 or 97% of these employees responded. Employees who completed at 

least one of the annual survey questions are counted as respondents although the majority of employees 

completed all questions. The respondents are representative of the agency population in supervisory status, 

gender, and racial category, except that whites are somewhat unrepresented. About 10 % of respondents did not 
U.S. MERIT SYSTEMS PROTECTION BOARD 

2007 Annual Employee Survey Results 

indicate a racial category. These may include a high proportion of whites. 

 

DEMOGRAPHICS 

Supervisory Status Population 

(%) 

Respondents 

(%) 

Non-supervisor 85.8% 76.2% 

Team Leader -- 5.7% 

Supervisor 14.2% 9.8% 

Manager -- 1.6% 

Executive -- 6.7% 

Gender Population 

(%) 

Respondents 

(%) 

Male 42.0% 41.2% 

Female 58.0% 58.8% 

Are you: Hispanic or Latino Population 

(%) 

Respondents 

(%) 

Yes 1.8% 2.3% 

No 98.2% 97.7% 

Racial Category Population 

(%) 

Respondents 

(%) 

White 64.8% 57.5% 

Black or African American 26.5% 27.5% 

Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander 0.0% 0.0% 

Asian 6.8% 4.1% 

American Indian or Alaskan Native 0.0% 0.0% 

Two or more races (not Hispanic or Latino) 0.0% 1.0% 
U.S. MERIT SYSTEMS PROTECTION BOARD 

2007 Annual Employee Survey Results 

SURVEY RESULTS – CONTENT QUESTIONS 

PERSONAL WORK EXPERIENCES 

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

Response Frequency Percentage 

Strongly Agree 96 49.7% 

Agree 69 35.8% 

Neither Agree nor Disagree 14 7.3% 

Disagree 9 4.7% 

Strongly Disagree 5 2.6% 

Missing/Invalid 0 -- 

TOTAL: 193 -- 

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

Response Frequency Percentage 

Strongly Agree 48 26.5% 

Agree 77 42.5% 

Neither Agree nor Disagree 39 21.5% 

Disagree 10 5.5% 

Strongly Disagree 7 3.9% 

Missing/Invalid 12 -- 

TOTAL: 193 -- 

3. My work gives me a feeling of personal accomplishment. 

Response Frequency Percentage 

Strongly Agree 80 41.5% 

Agree 78 40.4% 

Neither Agree nor Disagree 21 10.9% 

Disagree 7 3.6% 

Strongly Disagree 7 3.6% 

Missing/Invalid 0 -- 

TOTAL: 193 -- 
U.S. MERIT SYSTEMS PROTECTION BOARD 

2007 Annual Employee Survey Results 

4. I like the kind of work I do. 

Response Frequency Percentage 

Strongly Agree 106 54.9% 

Agree 61 31.6% 

Neither Agree nor Disagree 18 9.3% 

Disagree 7 3.6% 

Strongly Disagree 1 0.5% 

Missing/Invalid 0 -- 

TOTAL: 193 -- 

5. I have trust and confidence in my supervisor. 

Response Frequency Percentage 

Strongly Agree 79 41.6% 

Agree 67 35.3% 

Neither Agree nor Disagree 22 11.6% 

Disagree 16 8.4% 

Strongly Disagree 6 3.2% 

Missing/Invalid 3 -- 

TOTAL: 193 -- 

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

Response Frequency Percentage 

Very Good 85 44.5% 

Good 56 29.3% 

Fair 32 16.8% 

Poor 10 5.2% 

Very Poor 8 4.2% 

Missing/Invalid 2 -- 

TOTAL: 193 -- 
U.S. MERIT SYSTEMS PROTECTION BOARD 

2007 Annual Employee Survey Results 

RECRUITMENT, DEVELOPMENT, AND RETENTION 

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

Response Frequency Percentage 

Strongly Agree 94 48.7% 

Agree 92 47.7% 

Neither Agree nor Disagree 4 2.1% 

Disagree 3 1.6% 

Strongly Disagree 0 0.0% 

Missing/Invalid 0 -- 

TOTAL: 193 -- 

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

Response Frequency Percentage 

Strongly Agree 74 38.3% 

Agree 89 46.1% 

Neither Agree nor Disagree 12 6.2% 

Disagree 14 7.3% 

Strongly Disagree 4 2.1% 

Missing/Invalid 0 -- 

TOTAL: 193 -- 

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

Response Frequency Percentage 

Strongly Agree 113 58.5% 

Agree 72 37.3% 

Neither Agree nor Disagree 5 2.6% 

Disagree 1 0.5% 

Strongly Disagree 2 1.0% 

Missing/Invalid 0 -- 

TOTAL: 193 -- 
U.S. MERIT SYSTEMS PROTECTION BOARD 

2007 Annual Employee Survey Results 

10. The work I do is important. 

Response Frequency Percentage 

Strongly Agree 119 61.7% 

Agree 58 30.1% 

Neither Agree nor Disagree 12 6.2% 

Disagree 3 1.6% 

Strongly Disagree 1 0.5% 

Missing/Invalid 0 -- 

TOTAL: 193 -- 

11. Physical conditions (for example, noise level, temperature, lighting, cleanliness in the workplace) allow employees to 

perform their jobs well. 

Response Frequency Percentage 

Strongly Agree 75 41.9% 

Agree 90 50.3% 

Neither Agree nor Disagree 11 6.1% 

Disagree 3 1.7% 

Strongly Disagree 0 0.0% 

Missing/Invalid 14 -- 

TOTAL: 193 -- 

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

Response Frequency Percentage 

Strongly Agree 55 30.4% 

Agree 81 44.8% 

Neither Agree nor Disagree 29 16.0% 

Disagree 9 5.0% 

Strongly Disagree 7 3.9% 

Missing/Invalid 12 -- 

TOTAL: 193 -- 

13. My talents are used well in the workplace. 

Response Frequency Percentage 

Strongly Agree 68 35.2% 

Agree 80 41.5% 

Neither Agree nor Disagree 20 10.4% 

Disagree 17 8.8% 

Strongly Disagree 8 4.1% 

Missing/Invalid 0 -- 

TOTAL: 193 -- 
U.S. MERIT SYSTEMS PROTECTION BOARD 

2007 Annual Employee Survey Results 

14. My training needs are assessed. 

Response Frequency Percentage 

Strongly Agree 36 19.9% 

Agree 74 40.9% 

Neither Agree nor Disagree 43 23.8% 

Disagree 23 12.7% 

Strongly Disagree 5 2.8% 

Missing/Invalid 12 -- 

TOTAL: 193 -- 

PERFORMANCE CULTURE 

15. Promotions in my work unit are based on merit. 

Response Frequency Percentage 

Strongly Agree 44 24.2% 

Agree 81 44.5% 

Neither Agree nor Disagree 29 15.9% 

Disagree 20 11.0% 

Strongly Disagree 8 4.4% 

Missing/Invalid 11 -- 

TOTAL: 193 -- 

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

Response Frequency Percentage 

Strongly Agree 21 11.5% 

Agree 50 27.5% 

Neither Agree nor Disagree 66 36.3% 

Disagree 28 15.4% 

Strongly Disagree 17 9.3% 

Missing/Invalid 11 -- 

TOTAL: 193 -- 
U.S. MERIT SYSTEMS PROTECTION BOARD 

2007 Annual Employee Survey Results 

17. Creativity and innovation are rewarded. 

Response Frequency Percentage 

Strongly Agree 35 19.4% 

Agree 45 25.0% 

Neither Agree nor Disagree 68 37.8% 

Disagree 22 12.2% 

Strongly Disagree 10 5.6% 

Missing/Invalid 13 -- 

TOTAL: 193 -- 

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

(e.g., Fully Successful, Outstanding). 

Response Frequency Percentage 

Strongly Agree 57 31.3% 

Agree 83 45.6% 

Neither Agree nor Disagree 23 12.6% 

Disagree 12 6.6% 

Strongly Disagree 7 3.8% 

Missing/Invalid 11 -- 

TOTAL: 193 -- 

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

Response Frequency Percentage 

Strongly Agree 22 12.2% 

Agree 60 33.3% 

Neither Agree nor Disagree 64 35.6% 

Disagree 26 14.4% 

Strongly Disagree 8 4.4% 

Missing/Invalid 13 -- 

TOTAL: 193 -- 

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

Response Frequency Percentage 

Strongly Agree 22 12.2% 

Agree 50 27.6% 

Neither Agree nor Disagree 62 34.3% 

Disagree 33 18.2% 

Strongly Disagree 14 7.7% 

Missing/Invalid 12 -- 

TOTAL: 193 -- 
U.S. MERIT SYSTEMS PROTECTION BOARD 

2007 Annual Employee Survey Results 

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

Response Frequency Percentage 

Strongly Agree 51 28.0% 

Agree 85 46.7% 

Neither Agree nor Disagree 25 13.7% 

Disagree 15 8.2% 

Strongly Disagree 6 3.3% 

Missing/Invalid 11 -- 

TOTAL: 193 -- 

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

Response Frequency Percentage 

Strongly Agree 64 33.7% 

Agree 74 38.9% 

Neither Agree nor Disagree 30 15.8% 

Disagree 16 8.4% 

Strongly Disagree 6 3.2% 

Missing/Invalid 3 -- 

TOTAL: 193 -- 

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

Response Frequency Percentage 

Strongly Agree 47 26.0% 

Agree 82 45.3% 

Neither Agree nor Disagree 35 19.3% 

Disagree 8 4.4% 

Strongly Disagree 9 5.0% 

Missing/Invalid 12 -- 

TOTAL: 193 -- 

24. My supervisor supports my need to balance work and family issues. 

Response Frequency Percentage 

Strongly Agree 98 51.6% 

Agree 63 33.2% 

Neither Agree nor Disagree 20 10.5% 

Disagree 5 2.6% 

Strongly Disagree 4 2.1% 

Missing/Invalid 3 -- 

TOTAL: 193 -- 
U.S. MERIT SYSTEMS PROTECTION BOARD 

2007 Annual Employee Survey Results 

LEADERSHIP 

25. I have a high level of respect for my organization’s senior leaders. 

Response Frequency Percentage 

Strongly Agree 31 17.1% 

Agree 70 38.7% 

Neither Agree nor Disagree 50 27.6% 

Disagree 14 7.7% 

Strongly Disagree 16 8.8% 

Missing/Invalid 12 -- 

TOTAL: 193 -- 

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

Response Frequency Percentage 

Strongly Agree 17 9.4% 

Agree 63 34.8% 

Neither Agree nor Disagree 60 33.1% 

Disagree 29 16.0% 

Strongly Disagree 12 6.6% 

Missing/Invalid 12 -- 

TOTAL: 193 -- 

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

Response Frequency Percentage 

Strongly Agree 39 21.5% 

Agree 87 48.1% 

Neither Agree nor Disagree 45 24.9% 

Disagree 7 3.9% 

Strongly Disagree 3 1.7% 

Missing/Invalid 12 -- 

TOTAL: 193 -- 

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

Response Frequency Percentage 

Strongly Agree 72 40.2% 

Agree 84 46.9% 

Neither Agree nor Disagree 20 11.2% 

Disagree 3 1.7% 

Strongly Disagree 0 0.0% 

Missing/Invalid 14 -- 

TOTAL: 193 -- 
U.S. MERIT SYSTEMS PROTECTION BOARD 

2007 Annual Employee Survey Results 

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

Response Frequency Percentage 

Strongly Agree 49 25.4% 

Agree 84 43.5% 

Neither Agree nor Disagree 33 17.1% 

Disagree 18 9.3% 

Strongly Disagree 9 4.7% 

Missing/Invalid 0 -- 

TOTAL: 193 -- 

30. My workload is reasonable. 

Response Frequency Percentage 

Strongly Agree 67 34.7% 

Agree 78 40.4% 

Neither Agree nor Disagree 25 13.0% 

Disagree 16 8.3% 

Strongly Disagree 7 3.6% 

Missing/Invalid 0 -- 

TOTAL: 193 -- 

31. Managers communicate the goals and priorities of the organization. 

Response Frequency Percentage 

Strongly Agree 32 17.7% 

Agree 106 58.6% 

Neither Agree nor Disagree 31 17.1% 

Disagree 7 3.9% 

Strongly Disagree 5 2.8% 

Missing/Invalid 12 -- 

TOTAL: 193 -- 

32. My organization has prepared employees for potential security threats. 

Response Frequency Percentage 

Strongly Agree 43 24.0% 

Agree 82 45.8% 

Neither Agree nor Disagree 36 20.1% 

Disagree 17 9.5% 

Strongly Disagree 1 0.6% 

Missing/Invalid 14 -- 

TOTAL: 193 -- 
U.S. MERIT SYSTEMS PROTECTION BOARD 

2007 Annual Employee Survey Results 

JOB SATISFACTION 

33. How satisfied are you with the information you receive from management on what’s going on in your organization? 

Response Frequency Percentage 

Very Satisfied 21 11.7% 

Satisfied 76 42.2% 

Neither Satisfied nor Dissatisfied 55 30.6% 

Dissatisfied 22 12.2% 

Very Dissatisfied 6 3.3% 

Missing/Invalid 13 -- 

TOTAL: 193 -- 

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

Response Frequency Percentage 

Very Satisfied 31 16.1% 

Satisfied 81 42.2% 

Neither Satisfied nor Dissatisfied 48 25.0% 

Dissatisfied 25 13.0% 

Very Dissatisfied 7 3.6% 

Missing/Invalid 1 -- 

TOTAL: 193 -- 

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

Response Frequency Percentage 

Very Satisfied 12 6.6% 

Satisfied 40 22.0% 

Neither Satisfied nor Dissatisfied 75 41.2% 

Dissatisfied 39 21.4% 

Very Dissatisfied 16 8.8% 

Missing/Invalid 11 -- 

TOTAL: 193 -- 
U.S. MERIT SYSTEMS PROTECTION BOARD 

2007 Annual Employee Survey Results 

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

Response Frequency Percentage 

Very Satisfied 29 15.9% 

Satisfied 58 31.9% 

Neither Satisfied nor Dissatisfied 71 39.0% 

Dissatisfied 13 7.1% 

Very Dissatisfied 11 6.0% 

Missing/Invalid 11 -- 

TOTAL: 193 -- 

37. How satisfied are you with the policies and practices of your senior managers? 

Response Frequency Percentage 

Very Satisfied 25 13.9% 

Satisfied 68 37.8% 

Neither Satisfied nor Dissatisfied 57 31.7% 

Dissatisfied 23 12.8% 

Very Dissatisfied 7 3.9% 

Missing/Invalid 13 -- 

TOTAL: 193 -- 

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

Response Frequency Percentage 

Very Satisfied 42 23.2% 

Satisfied 85 47.0% 

Neither Satisfied nor Dissatisfied 41 22.7% 

Dissatisfied 8 4.4% 

Very Dissatisfied 5 2.8% 

Missing/Invalid 12 -- 

TOTAL: 193 -- 

39. Considering everything, how satisfied are you with your job? 

Response Frequency Percentage 

Very Satisfied 74 38.5% 

Satisfied 83 43.2% 

Neither Satisfied nor Dissatisfied 15 7.8% 

Dissatisfied 18 9.4% 

Very Dissatisfied 2 1.0% 

Missing/Invalid 1 -- 

TOTAL: 193 -- 
U.S. MERIT SYSTEMS PROTECTION BOARD 

2007 Annual Employee Survey Results 

40. Considering everything, how satisfied are you with your pay? 

Response Frequency Percentage 

Very Satisfied 40 22.0% 

Satisfied 80 44.0% 

Neither Satisfied nor Dissatisfied 31 17.0% 

Dissatisfied 27 14.8% 

Very Dissatisfied 4 2.2% 

Missing/Invalid 11 -- 

TOTAL: 193 --