Gerentes em Organiza es Públicas: Características do Trabalho e Contexto Profissional

The present work discusses the organizational aspects which affect the performance of the functions and the roles of the managers of a public institution from the Federal Judiciary. The theoretical framework approaches the managerial function, the managerial function in the public service, and the managerial reform experiences in Brazil. The data were collected by using the focus group technique involving a representative sample consisting of 66 managers. The main conclusions were that these managers spend a substantial part of their time in personnel management, in ensuring a good work environment, and in solving problems related to bureaucracy, centralization, lack of communication, distance between superiors and subordinates, and interference in the public management policy. The biggest sources of work satisfaction are: possibility to plan, control over their own work, stability in the job, and proper compensation. The sources of dissatisfaction are: bureaucracy, high rotation of presidents, and political influence.