NCJ Number
191413
Journal
Policing: An International Journal of Police Strategies and Management Volume: 24 Issue: 3 Dated: 2001 Pages: 399-419
Date Published
2001
Length
21 pages
Annotation
A survey conducted in the United Kingdom examined factors affecting the organizational commitment of police personnel.
Abstract
The survey received a 43 percent response rate from the 2,898 uniformed police officers in one of the largest British police agencies. The agency served both sparsely populated rural areas and heavily populated industrialized areas. The survey assessed commitment in terms of pride in the agency, understanding and commitment to the strategic direction, and employee attitudes and contributions to service and quality improvements. The analysis also considered management support, organization support, and employee evaluation and performance feedback and their relationship to employee commitment. Results revealed that employees’ experiences of behavior that encourages teamwork, participation, and personal development, provides feedback on role and performance, and avoids a defensive work climate strongly influence commitment in all ranks. Significantly, the level of commitment varied according to position in the hierarchy in that the majority of constables demonstrated lower commitment and senior officers (chief inspectors and above) demonstrated higher commitment. The analysis concluded that the agency should establish strategic human resource management approaches to increase organization attachment and to develop a long-term strategy of culture change. Tables, appended table, and 46 references (Author abstract modified)