Can Federal Productivity Be Measured?

In the early 1970s, a permanent system for measuring the productivity of the Federal work force was established.  GAO was one of several government agencies working to set up the new system.  GAO learned how government managers can use productivity data in analyzing their operations, in identifying problems, and in creating a basis for improving their productivity.  GAO prepared this booklet to define productivity, why is application can make government better, and how its improvement is being accomplished.