This study examined the relationship between training and work alienation among correctional officers and sergeants serving in all male maximum and close security prisons in Florida. The research investigated the effects of training, individual characteristics, and institution on correctional officers' work alienation. Work alienation was measured along five subscales of powerlessness, meaninglessness, normlessness, instrumental work orientation (self-estrangement), and isolation from organizational goals. / Three correctional institutions were randomly selected from the highest risk prisons in the state, ranked by the Florida Department of Corrections as Category 7. All correctional officers and sergeants from these institutions totalling 901 were surveyed by mail. Of the 901 surveyed, 380 (42.1%) were usable for the study. / The survey elicited information on training attended by officers, their background, and level of alienation. Open-ended questions were also included. / Results of multiple regression analysis revealed that training has significant impact on lowering work-alienation. However, that impact was limited to specialized and career advancement training. Formal education had a positive effect on level of alienation. More alienated officers were likely to be married, non-whites, with no children, aged 40 years and less, working for 15 years or less, assigned to night shifts, and related to family members employed in correctional work. One particular institution had higher levels of alienation among its officers than the other two surveyed. / To alleviate work-alienation, recommendations were made for specific policy changes focussing mainly on strengthening current training standards. They relate to (1) research, development, and evaluation of training, (2) curriculum and instructional development, (3) training of trainers, (4) support services for training, and (5) strategy for staff development. / Source: Dissertation Abstracts International, Volume: 54-07, Section: A, page: 2551. / Major Professor: Sande Milton. / Thesis (Ph.D.)--The Florida State University, 1993.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:fsu.edu/oai:fsu.digital.flvc.org:fsu_76953 |
| Contributors | Mahmud, Zahratul Kamar., Florida State University |
| Source Sets | Florida State University |
| Language | English |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Text |
| Format | 174 p. |
| Rights | On campus use only. |
| Relation | Dissertation Abstracts International |
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