CO’s Versus Administrators: Who is More Cynical?

• In Event: Job Satisfaction and Perceptions of Well-Being Among Correctional Staff

Abstract

There has been substantial attention paid to levels of job satisfaction and performance of correctional officers. Less attention has been expended in examining organizational culture, climate, and the process of change during justice reinvestment initiatives. For this study, prison staff perceptions of organizational context were measured and compared to assess any differences in staff opinion. Of particular interest and the focus of this presentation are the levels of cynicism towards change reported by correctional officers as compared to administrators. The data indicate that of all staff positions in a prison, correctional officers were the most cynical towards change. Implications for organizational change plans as well as staff management are considered.

Authors

• Jessica J. Warner, Miami University (Ohio)

• Edward J. Latessa, University of Cincinnati