NCJ Number
73204
Date Published
1980
Length
25 pages
Annotation
Findings from 539 responses to an exit interview questionnaire designed to reflect terminating employees' opinions concerning their employment with the Virginia Department of Corrections are presented.
Abstract
Information was gathered from terminating employees for the period July 1, 1979, to June 30, 1980. A total of 1,249 persons left the department during this period; 539 persons voluntarily participated in the exit interview and completed the questionnaire. This 43.2 percent response rate is a significant improvement over the 23 response rate from last year. Dimensions of the work environment evaluated in the questionnaire included supervision, communication, salary and benefits, training, and physical working conditions. Of the 539 terminating employees responding to the interview, 27.7 percent were employed for less than 1 year, 50.5 percent were employed for less than 2 years, 72 percent worked less than 3 years, and 90 percent were employed for 6 years or less. The average length of time employed was approximately 3 years. Working conditions were rated either good or excellent by 67.6 percent. The area of communication that had the highest percentage of favorable responses was 'specific knowledge of the job.' The highest percentage of unfavorable responses in the communications area was for 'policies, procedures, and guidelines.' Rate of pay was the area that received the most unfavorable responses of all categories. Terminating employees rated their supervisors highest on 'fair and equal treatment' and lowest in the area of resolving grievances and problems. Better job opportunity, salary, and lack of advancement opportunities were the three reasons most frequently given for leaving. In general, attitudes of terminating employees reflect favorably on the department. Tables and an appendix are included in the report.