Probation Officer Effectiveness: An Examination of Job Attitudes and Work Orientations

• In Event: Posters II

Abstract

Research on probation officer effectiveness has focused primarily on supervision techniques and strategies. However, limited attention has been given to the potential influence of officers’ attitudes and perceptions on their job performance. We surveyed 350 adult probation officers and 70 chief probation officers on several factors such as intrinsic and extrinsic motivation, perceived supervisor and organizational support, role stress, job satisfaction, and probation orientation. We found that officers who were more intrinsically motivated and felt more supported by the organization, were significantly more likely to exhibit a counseling rather than a compliance orientation. In addition, supervisors who perceived greater organizational support had significantly higher job satisfaction and lower role stress. These findings have implications for organizational efforts to improve employee well-being and probation officer effectiveness.

Authors

• Jennifer Hedlund, Central Connecticut State University

• Stephen Cox, Central Connecticut State University