NCJ Number
134253
Journal
International Journal of Comparative and Applied Criminal Justice Volume: 15 Issue: 1 and 2 Dated: (Spring/Fall 1991) Pages: 277-284
Date Published
1991
Length
8 pages
Annotation
This study examines prosocial organizational behavior among first-line correctional officers.
Abstract
"Prosocial organizational behavior" is defined by Brief and Motowidlo (1986) as "behavior which is performed by a member of an organization; directed toward an individual, group, or organization with whom he or she interacts while carrying out his or her organizational role; and performed with the intention of promoting the welfare of the individual, group, or organization toward which it is directed." The study population consisted of the 214 men and women who served as correctional officers at the Eddyville State Penitentiary in Kentucky. The variables included a set of scales that measure various individual traits and a set of scales that measures job performance. The study hypothesized that the individual-difference variables of organizational commitment and the value of achievement would be related to prosocial behavior that benefits the organization and that empathy and the value concern for others would be related to prosocial acts that benefit specific persons. Although no significant correlations were found for achievement, empathy, and concern for others, the variable of organizational commitment was significantly related to all types of prosocial behaviors observed by supervisors in the work place. Commitment to the organization apparently is one explanation for why correctional officers perform prosocial acts on the job. 1 table and 14 references