Impact of Postmodernism on Public Sector Leadership Practices: Federal Government Human Capital Development Implications

Abstract

This paper explores the nexus of contemporary leadership theory and postmodern worldview influences within the public sector with special emphasis on the staffing challenges of the federal government. The postmodern values embraced by the replacement cohorts (Millennial and Generation X) for the retiring baby boomers are in direct conflict with traditional leadership theories reducing the attractiveness of governmental employment. The paper concludes with a series of specific recommendations to more closely align federal human capital development strategies with employee values and organizational needs including generational diversity education, strategic value alignment approaches, values-based recruiting and selection, more systematic mentoring programs, both traditional and reverse mentoring (younger employees coach older workers on technology issues), and a full range of work/life benefits.