ASIAN-AMERICANS IN THE PUBLIC-SERVICE - SUCCESS, DIVERSITY, AND DISCRIMINATION

Does the experience of Asian Americans in the public service support their image as a ''model minority?'' The image of Asian Americans as a ''model minority'' conceals both their diversity and the discrimination they face. Although Asians are generally highly educated and well paid, Asian groups vary substantially in educational and earnings levels. Despite high average salaries, Asian federal employees earn less and wield less supervisory authority than comparably qualified nonminorities. For the men, the problem is not a ''glass ceiling'' that keeps highly educated and experienced Asians out of the top levels of the federal bureaucracy; instead, it is Asians without college degrees who receive worse treatment than comparable nonminorities. For the women, the pattern is more complex and more troubling.