Equity Reform in Public Administration: A Longitudinal Study of Executive Attitudes

One of the worldwide movements for reform of public administration has been the implementation of equal employment opportunity programmes. Reports on a longitudinal study of executive attitudes towards the equity reforms introduced in an Australian public service. Results show that, over a three‐year period, there was a decrease in the perceived observance of merit and equity principles in Government agencies, and an increase in the proportion of executives experiencing discrimination. Although there was greater commitment among executives towards merit and equity, there was no improvement in their attitude towards an equity programme for women. Implications for the Equity Reform process are discussed.