IRS Job Satisfaction in Light of Civil Service Survey: A Decade of Change

When comparing job satisfaction in various civil services, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Custom Excise Segment has fared poorly, especially when contrasted with the Indian Administrative Service (IAS), Indian Financial Services (IFS), and Indian Auxiliary Administrative Services (IAAS). This article delves into the reasons behind this significant disparity, drawing upon Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs to explain the interconnectivity of individual needs and their impact on job satisfaction.

Introduction to Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs

Abraham Maslow formulated a theory that explains human motivation based on a hierarchy of needs. According to Maslow, the most basic needs are physiological, such as food and water. Once these are met, attention shifts to safety, then social acceptance, esteem, and finally self-actualization. These needs are continually interrelated and contribute to overall satisfaction in life.

Evaluation of Survey Results

The outcome of the civil service survey in 2010 highlights the distinct differences in job satisfaction levels among various civil services, including IAS, IFS, IAAS, and IRS, particularly the Customs and Central Excise segments. While triangulation methodology was used to analyze some aspects, the overall comparison between these services has shown stark contrasts, much to the disadvantage of IRS.

To understand why IRS, especially the Customs and Central Excise divisions, has seen a decline in job satisfaction over time, let's explore a scenario similar to stock performance. Imagine purchasing two shares: one for Rs 50 and the other for Rs 10. After ten years, the shares' prices are Rs 40 and Rs 20, respectively. Despite the first share's higher valuation, the second share would likely provide greater satisfaction because of the initial expectations versus the current reality.

Similarly, our job satisfaction is the result of the gap between our expectations and the reality of our current situation. Expectations set the stage for perceived success or failure. In the case of IRS, particularly the Customs and Central Excise divisions, a combination of factors has led to a significant drop in perceived value and satisfaction among officers.

Historical Context and Transformation

Decades ago, IAS, IFS, and IAAS were the top-rated services, maintaining their high positions for many years. However, the fortunes of the Internal Revenue Service, particularly Customs and Central Excise, have significantly declined in recent years.

During the late 1980s, IRS Customs and Central Excise (hereafter referred to as 'IRS CCE') was closing even above IPS (Indian Police Service). In 1990, there were at least 60-70 officers from the batch of 1990 who chose IRS CCE over IPS, and several opted for IRS CCE over IFS as well. The batch size of IRS CCE was significantly smaller, closing around 290 in 1990, while IRS IT closed at 410 that same year. However, the landscape has changed drastically now.

Today, even IRS CCE lags far behind IRS IT, and the situation is even worse compared to IFS and IPS. This significant change is attributed to several factors, including the government's liberalization policies and the introduction of the Goods and Services Tax (GST).

The batch size of IRS CCE has grown from 40 in the late 1980s to almost 250 in recent years, a sharp contrast to the IAS, IPS, and IRS, whose batch sizes have not seen significant changes. This massive expansion has put a strain on the infrastructure and administrative capabilities of the service, leading to a decline in perceived job satisfaction. However, it is still challenging to predict the future trajectory of the service in terms of job satisfaction.

As the saying goes, 'What goes up, must come down,' and what comes down may once again rise. The future of IRS, especially the Customs and Central Excise divisions, remains uncertain, but understanding the historical context and current challenges can provide valuable insights into the factors affecting job satisfaction in this specialized service.

Conclusion

The job satisfaction of IRS employees has declined significantly over the last decade, particularly in the Customs and Central Excise segments, in comparison to their counterparts in other civil services. Factors such as liberalization policies, infrastructural challenges, and changes in the service landscape have played a crucial role in this transformation. Understanding these dynamics can help in addressing the issues and improving job satisfaction within the IRS.