Discrepancy between prescribed and real work: the case of outsourced service contract supervisors at federal universities in the state of São Paulo

Abstract

Abstract Purpose: The article aims to identify the specificities and complexity of the work of public servants who act as contract supervisors, by evaluating their prescribed work and actual work. Design/methodology/approach: For this purpose, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 14 public servants with additional service contract supervisory roles at three federal universities in the state of São Paulo. Findings: The results reveal the practice of designating contract supervisory roles when civil servants enter into public service, even though they have no previous experience or specific training, which causes great difficulties on a day-to-day basis. Originality/value: Public and private organizations should reflect on the way they organize work, which is affected by the rigidity of institutional norms, causing experiences of suffering, fear, and occupational diseases. There should be a focus on people management policies and the human and behavioral development of workers. These actions are important for the development of skills that enable greater integration of the different areas of knowledge, in order to achieve results for the organization, without wearing down teams.