Attractiveness of the Civil Service: A Study of Perception Among Civil Servants and University Students of the Karaganda Region

Abstract

Object: The perception of civil servants of local executive bodies and students at universities in the Karaganda region of the civil service as a place of employment.
Methods: We collected and analyzed data on the staffing and the actual number of civil servants in job categories, the number of announced competitions for vacant positions, and applicants for these positions over the past five years; conducted a survey and interviews. Surveys are based on a random sample of Google Form and WhatsApp.
Findings: Civil servants believe that the civil service is attractive because it guarantees employment and financial stability. Over 40% of students consider the civil service as a future place of employment.
Conclusions: Civil service is attractive for a stable job in the short term. Since students choose for a future job based on the employer’s ability to provide work and personal life, career opportunities, and competitive wages, the civil service needs to reform labor conditions and to ensure the competitiveness of civil service as a prospective employer in the long-term perspective.