Management Style in Probation: Policy Implications Derived From Systems Theory (From Correctional Theory and Practice, P 61-81, 1992, Clayton A Hartjen and Edward E Rhine, eds. -- See NCJ-135949)

• NCJ Number: 135953
• Author(s): P L Hardyman
• Date Published: 1992
• Length: 22 pages
• Sale Source: Nelson-Hall Publishers
• Publication Type: Legislation/Policy Analysis
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America
• Note: *This document is currently unavailable from NCJRS.

Annotation

This analysis of the management of probation uses the perspective of systems theory and emphasizes the importance of participation and open communication by line staff in decisionmaking processes and the need for training of both line staff and managers.

Abstract

Previous models of probation are inadequate, in large part because they fail to recognize the probation department as a system of inputs, throughputs, and outputs. Systems theory offers an alternative to these models by combining information on the resources, activities, and outcomes rather than analyzing each factor separately. Systems theory also permits analysis in a way that identifies the goals, describes the daily activities, and links activities to resources and outcomes. The use of systems theory to analyze probation has demonstrated that the basic determinant of the probation organization is the organization's management style. It has also indicated that training, participation, and open communication directly affect most other policies, the quality of life in the organization, and the quality of supervision. 41 references