Weekly Round-up: December 20, 2013

Gadi Ben-Yehuda

• The Value of Open Data in Our Economy and Society: The New America Foundation hosted a lively discussion and a few keynotes on the topic of open data.  If you couldn't make it, you can still watch the video, or, if you're driving home for the holidays, play the audio through your speakers. 
• App(s) of the Year. GovFresh has announced the winner of its 2013 App of the Year award.  But the list itself is of as much value and interest as the top pick.
• Looking back at 2013.  GovLoop outlines the trends of 2013.  So does Google. And Twitter and Facebook. And Daniel Kim. 

John Kamensky

• Prize Authority Saves Money.  The White House Office of Science and Technology Policy released a status report on federal agencies’ use of their authority to sponsor innovation prizes and contests, according to a story by FedScoop’s Scott Maucione. 
• OPM Survey Shows 50 Percent Spike in Telework. In another story by Scott Maucione, FedScoop, he reports that an OPM survey shows the number of federal employees deemed eligible for telework increased from 685,000 to more than 1 million – and that employees with telework agreements increased by 84 percent.
• Principles for a Better Public Sector.  A new study by McKinsey & Co. offers four principles for designing a better public sector:  make better use of data, involve citizens, invest in employees, and collaborate with other sectors
• All-Time Lows in Employee Morale.  According to Ellen Kortesoja, Federal News Radio, the “Best Places to Work” survey by the Partnership for Public Service pegged federal employee morale at its lowest point since the survey began a decade ago (and the survey was conducted before the federal shutdown in October).  Interestingly, though, the scores for the top ranking agency – NASA – rose from the prior year.  The Partnership’s website includes a set of six case studies of agencies that have consistently ranked toward the top over the past decade, and what they did to do so
• GAO Assesses DHS Morale.  While the Partnership focused on the Best Places to Work, the Government Accountability Office testified on the Department of Homeland Security’s employee morale issues, since it was ranked at the bottom of all major federal agencies in terms of employee satisfaction.  Its testimony also describes the numerous leadership vacancies across the department.

The Business of Government Radio Show: Leaders Speak on Mission and Making a Difference

The Business of Government Hour features a conversation about management with a government executive who is changing the way government.

How are government executives meeting mission and making a difference? What are government executives doing to make a difference in the face of fiscal and budgetary realities? Join host Michael Keegan he explores these questions and more with former and current government leaders: Dr. Francis Collins, Dr. Anthony Fauci, Michael Astrue, Kathleen Merrigan, Linda Gibbs and a host of others for a Special Edition of The Business of Government Hour – Leaders Speak – A CONVERSATION on Meeting Mission and Making A Difference.

Broadcast Schedule: The show airs Monday at 11 a.m., and Wednesday at noon, on Federal News Radio 1500AM WFED

If you can't wait, though, you can listen to (or download) this week's program and all our previous interviews at businessofgovernment.org and by searching our audio archives.