Inspiring Motivation

As municipalities grapple with shrinking budgets and related issues, how to become and remain motivated in public sector jobs is a top concern, according to a survey by the Center for Organization Effectiveness.

Public management and motivation is the topic of a Nov. 2 presentation by alumni Tom R. Hatch (B.A. political science ’91, M.P.A. ’95), Costa Mesa’s chief executive officer, and Sean J. Joyce (B.A. political science ’86, M.P.A. ’93), Irvine’s city manager. The 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. luncheon talk — sponsored by the Orange County region of the Municipal Management Association of Southern California, Pi Alpha Alpha Public Administration Honor Society and the Division of Politics, Administration and Justice — will be given in Room 3230 of Mihaylo Hall.

Hatch and Joyce “will offer pointers on motivating yourself, your staff and your fellow co-workers during these tough economic times as people are being laid off and programs are getting cut,” said alumna Lovely Qureshi (B.A. political science ’01, M.P.A. ’03), co-chair of the Orange County region of MMASC.

Members of Pi Alpha Alpha decided to focus on motivation after they found that many local governments in California are having a hard time motivating their public employees, said Myungjung “MJ” Kwon, assistant professor of political science and the honor society’s adviser.

“Because of the current economic downturn, California’s local governments laid off many employees and are still freezing hiring,” he said. “The remaining employees have more responsibilities and tasks, and are more stressed and unmotivated. Also, local city council members are emphasizing the efficiency of public services, which their constituents expect during economic hardship. Local executives need to save operation costs and increase efficiency within reduced budgets. In order to accomplish these missions, they need to motivate their employees to work in a more efficient way.”

Cost to attend is free for students, $15 for MMASC members and $20 for all others. To RSVP, contact Kwon, assistant professor of political science, at 657-278-3809 or posctemp@fullerton.edu, or Qureshi at region7@mmasc.org.

Oct. 21, 2011