Job Satisfaction of Correctional Officers: An Individual and Environmental Approach

• In Event: Job Satisfaction and Dissatisfaction Among Correctional Officers

Abstract

This paper increases the knowledge and expands the literature on correctional officers' attitudes toward job satisfaction. In order to analyze this, we examined the individual and environmental characteristics of a correctional officer's job to their overall job satisfaction (Lambert, 2004). Data for this paper comes from self-reported surveys of 602 correctional officers from a Southern state. This paper analyzes the relationship between individual factors and institutional factors, like job training, transformational leadership, work support, fear, and procedural justice perceptions of correctional officers on their overall perception of job satisfaction (Lambert, 2004; Brough & Kelling, 2002; Jurik et al., 1987; Jurik & Halemba, 1984). In addition, we also examine how pay dissatisfaction, difficulties at home, tenure, short staffing, and deindividuation relate to job satisfaction. Directions for future research are discussed.

Authors

• Frances Abderhalden, University of Central Florida

• Thomas Baker, University of Central Florida

• Jill A. Gordon, Virginia Commonwealth University