It what way are you interpreting it?

I kinda found myself thinking that the "reputation" wasn't like a form of currency that was spent on things, but something like ...distinctions in a video game or "being known for something". You could be a very generous person when it comes to donating your time or be very good at being a mechanic and people would be able to acknowledge that they "hey, Tammy is the person that can be trusted to help out when you need a hand and Chuck is an amazing mechanic when you need your towns train engine fixed".

Alternatively, a person who is kinda crappy could wind up being known for being crappy, which is where this sci/fi conceit probably falls apart. This reputation system was never explained in any real way in 'The Orwell" to know if there are ways for somebody with a bad reputation to improve their reputation.