NCJ Number
98689
Journal
Journal of Offender Counseling Volume: 4 Issue: 2 Dated: (April 1984) Pages: 39-43
Date Published
1984
Length
5 pages
Annotation
This study of the work values held by correctional workers in a juvenile residential treatment center found that the group scored highest on altruism, defined as concern for the welfare of others.
Abstract
Fifty-seven correctional workers in a residential center that primarily treats male juvenile offenders were administered the Work Values Inventory (Super, 1970). This inventory contains 45 items measuring 15 work values. Respondents were asked to rate each item on a five-point scale ranging from 'unimportant' to 'very important.' Intrinsic values, such as achievement and aesthetics, as well as extrinsic values, such as economic returns and surroundings, were measured. An analysis of variance was used to investigate whether there were significant differences in values among the various categories of workers. The means and standard deviations were computed for each scale for each worker group and the total sample. Altruism, which values work that contributes to the welfare of others, had the highest mean score for the total group. 'Way of life,' a value associated with the kind of work that permits persons to live as they wish and be the types of persons they wish to be, was also rated high by the sample. Supervisory relations -- the value associated with work performed under a supervisor with whom one is compatible -was also a prominent value. Economic returns and prestige were rated moderately; management functions (planning and supervising) were not highly rated. There were no significant statistical differences in the work values of the job categories studied: cottage, administration, clerical and custodial, teaching, and treatment. Additional samples from other centers are required to cross-validate the profile of values for workers in juvenile corrections. Tabular study data and nine references are provided.