Management and Performance Program: bridge to uberization in the Brazilian federal public service

Abstract

Objective: to analyze the introduction of the Performance and Management Program (PMP) at the Federal Fluminense University (UFF). Methods: the PMP began to be implemented at the UFF in May 2022. This essay presents the established changes and discusses their relationship with the process of “uberization”. Results: the guidelines established by the PMP, as well as the initial experience of its implementation at UFF, indicate a strong influence of the ideas guiding the phenomenon of “uberization” of work. By bringing about profound changes in the organization and control of work activities, the PMP also has the potential to impact the workers’ health, notably increasing the difficulty in mapping and controlling risks in work environments, which become more decentralized. It can also have detrimental effects on mental health, caused by a management model based on strict process control and goal fulfillment. Conclusions: the program instituted at UFF shares many similarities with the model of “uberized” work management, which has been emerging as a trend in contemporary capitalism, affecting workers unevenly. The change in the management model of work activities imposed by the program suggests potential effects on the workers’ physical and mental health..