Effect of Educational Attainment on the Job Satisfaction Level of Correctional Officers

• NCJ Number: 86534
• Author(s): R W Baker
• Date Published: 1979
• Length: 76 pages
• Sale Source: National Technical Information Service
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America
• Note: Washington State University - masters thesis

Annotation

This study explores the relationship between correctional officers' educational attainment and their job satisfaction, as well as the effect of education in general on work alienation levels.

Abstract

Correctional officers at two State penitentiaries completed study questionnaires. Findings suggest that officers are relatively satisfied with their jobs and exhibit little work alienation. While no relationship was found between their educational attainment and work alienation levels, an inverse relation between their educational attainment and job satisfaction did exist under certain conditions. The relationship was particularly prevalent among younger and better educated line correctional officers. Thus, increasing officers' education levels without modifying their job skill requirements will most likely result in a lower level of job satisfaction. These findings are consistent with the conclusion of the National Manpower Survey of the criminal justice system in 1978 that line correctional officers may not need a higher education to perform their present duties. The questionnaire, over 30 references, and data tables are provided. (Author abstract modified)