Getting ahead by staying put? Specialization and social capital in U.S. civil service careers

Joshua R. Bruce

doi:10.5465/AMBPP.2018.22

Getting ahead by staying put? Specialization and social capital in U.S. civil service careers

Research output: Contribution to conference › Paper › peer-review

Abstract

This empirical paper shows that generalists are compensated at higher salary levels than specialists, defined by the number of occupations held, in the US federal civil service over the period from 1989 to 2011. Meaningful positive returns to occupational generalization occur only beyond the fifth year of employment. One potential explanation of this generalist advantage—the role of generalists as coordinators—is tested. Findings are consistent with a model of capabilities and coordination, though future research will need to consider other important factors, especially social capital development over the career.

Original language	English (US)
DOIs	https://doi.org/10.5465/AMBPP.2018.22
State	Published - Jan 1 2018
Externally published	Yes
Event	78th Annual Meeting of the Academy of Management, AOM 2018 - Chicago, United States Duration: Aug 10 2018 → Aug 14 2018

Other

Other	78th Annual Meeting of the Academy of Management, AOM 2018
Country/Territory	United States
City	Chicago
Period	8/10/18 → 8/14/18

ASJC Scopus subject areas

Management Information Systems
Management of Technology and Innovation
Industrial relations

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10.5465/AMBPP.2018.22

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abstract = "This empirical paper shows that generalists are compensated at higher salary levels than specialists, defined by the number of occupations held, in the US federal civil service over the period from 1989 to 2011. Meaningful positive returns to occupational generalization occur only beyond the fifth year of employment. One potential explanation of this generalist advantage—the role of generalists as coordinators—is tested. Findings are consistent with a model of capabilities and coordination, though future research will need to consider other important factors, especially social capital development over the career.",

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AB - This empirical paper shows that generalists are compensated at higher salary levels than specialists, defined by the number of occupations held, in the US federal civil service over the period from 1989 to 2011. Meaningful positive returns to occupational generalization occur only beyond the fifth year of employment. One potential explanation of this generalist advantage—the role of generalists as coordinators—is tested. Findings are consistent with a model of capabilities and coordination, though future research will need to consider other important factors, especially social capital development over the career.

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Getting ahead by staying put? Specialization and social capital in U.S. civil service careers

Abstract

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