"Governance and Political System" Thematic Research Series
The civil service is the backbone of the SAR government and an important element in maintaining good government governance. They play an important role in effectively executing and implementing government decisions and gaining public trust, thereby promoting social development and effective governance.
With the rapid development of society, citizens' expectations for public services are constantly increasing. In recent years, the social and political environment has become increasingly complex. Civil servants are not only facing tremendous pressure at work. They are on the front line of serving the public, and their mutual trust with the public has also been severely tested.
This study aims to understand the opinions of young people in Hong Kong on the performance of the civil service, thereby exploring the current challenges faced by the civil service and trying to provide feasible suggestions for improving the current situation from a forward-looking perspective.
This study collects relevant information through a random sampling of youth opinion surveys in Hong Kong, youth case interviews, and interviews with scholars and experts. The data collection work was carried out from August to September 2016. A total of 523 young people aged 18-39 were successfully interviewed in the territory-wide youth opinion survey; a total of 20 young people were interviewed in the youth case interview; interviews with scholars and experts Four relevant persons were interviewed.
Main results of the study
- Nearly 57% of the young people surveyed believe that civil servants are an ideal job, and the largest number of respondents believe that the greatest contribution of civil servants is serving the public. Another 44% of the respondents want to become civil servants.
- Fifty-seven percent of the young people surveyed trust civil servants more than politically accountable officials, and another 45% believe that civil servants will truthfully explain matters when performing their duties.
- More than 30% of the young people surveyed had the biggest impression of civil servants' performance as being stuck in rules, while the most lacking one, accounting for nearly 27%, was the assumption of responsibility.
- The young people interviewed rated the performance of civil servants in adhering to several beliefs on average, with an average score of about 6, which is above the qualified level (0-10 points, with 10 being the highest and 5 being qualified).
- The young people interviewed believe that civil servants face serious challenges such as political pressure, mutual trust with accountable officials, and talent attraction.
Research main recommendations
- Organize Civil Service Week or Civil Service Day to increase mutual understanding between the government, civil servants and citizens.
- Regularly collect internal and public opinions and strengthen communication.
- Strengthen the transparency and initiative of government departments in providing information.
- Strengthen the professional quality of civil servants.
