Does Agency Type Matter? A Comparison of Chiefs’ Perceptions of the Institutional Environment across Three Agency Types

• In Event: Police Chiefs: Stress, Tasks, Leadership, Change, and Environment

Abstract

Research has found that chiefs’ perceptions of the institutional environment impacts how chiefs define and prioritize agency goals. Previous literature assessing this impact has focused solely on local police departments. It is reasonable, however, to assume that different types of agencies prioritize sectors of their institutional environment differently leading to the prioritization of different goals. The research looks to identify the differences between Independent School District (ISD), specialized, and municipal police departments in perceptions of their institutional environment and subsequent goal setting. Results do indicate variation across agency types. Institutional theory is utilized to frame our discussion of findings.

Authors

• Matthew C. Matusiak, University of Central Florida

• Alicia L. Jurek, Sam Houston State University