Influence of Intrinsic and Extrinsic Factors on Occupational Motivation, Challenges, and Intergenerational Linkages of Rangers in Asia

• In Event: Conservation Law Enforcement: Innovation and Ground-level Considerations

Abstract

Examining the human dimensions of conservation science has generated much attention in recent years due to the push for an interdisciplinary agenda that incorporates both the natural and social sciences and recognition of the importance of understanding human involvement in biodiversity and ecological matters. However, one line of inquiry has largely been neglected in the literature: frontline conservation area rangers’ job perceptions. Examining intrinsic and extrinsic motivational factors may shed light on job stress and job satisfaction, recruitment, productivity, and retention and turnover. Furthermore, little is known about potential intergenerational linkages within the ranger profession, which is an important gap, given the potential role of the family in pre-employment socialization and career choice. Drawing from surveys of 530 rangers working in 39 conservation areas in eleven Asian countries, we find variation amongst intrinsically motivated, extrinsically motivated, and mixed-motivated rangers in terms of a desire to see their children become rangers. Extrinsically motivated rangers are most likely to want their children to enter the profession, and intrinsically motivated rangers express significant concern about the inadequacy of the work environment. Implications for both conservation and criminal justice policy and research are discussed.

Authors

• William D. Moreto, University of Central Florida

• Jacinta Gau, UCF

• Eugene Paoline, University of Central Florida