NCJ Number
148322
Journal
Journal of Offender Rehabilitation Volume: 20 Issue: 3-4 Dated: (1994) Pages: 117-130
Date Published
1994
Length
14 pages
Annotation
This comparative case study of the organizational climates in two medium-security prisons in Massachusetts tested seven hypotheses; in general, it was hypothesized that unit management would positively affect staff and inmate safety and security, quality of life, staff work environment, and inmate services and programs.
Abstract
Several indexes of prison climate were created by factor analyses of responses of 149 correctional personnel and 442 inmates to adapted Saylor surveys. Results suggested that flattening an organizational structure without decentralizing authority seems to have negative effects on staff supervisory relations and job satisfaction. Findings support theories that predict higher levels of job satisfaction when authority is delegated. In contrast, inmates reported a better quality of life in terms of personal well-being and living conditions and a more effective staff (responsive, accurately informed) under the flatter unit management structure, whether or not staff perceived adequate delegation of authority. Tables and 14 references (Author abstract modified)