This study addressed the contradictory results obtained in previous research regarding the relationship between professionalism and police job performance. Earlier studies have used parochial definitions of police job performance, whereas the present research used the following comprehensive measures that have both historical and theoretical significance for police professionalism: (a) self-initiated activity, (b) control of conflict, (c) rule of law, (d) police-citizen relationship, (e) public safety and trust or commendation, (f) work attitude, (g) problem solving and decision making, and (h) task performance (non-stress and stress). / The study sample was 112 police officers who performed patrol duties from 1983 to 1986 at Panhandle Police Department, Florida. Professionalism was assessed by number of years of education and the occupational technique (training and incentive money) adopted by the department. Performance was measured by the rating of officers' performance by the supervisiors. / Pearson product moment correlation coefficients, and Mallow's Cp within the framework of BMDP 9R were computed for multiple regressions. / The research (a) failed to support the initial hypotheses that professionalism was related to self-initiated activity, control of conflict, rule of law, relationship with citizens, commendation, work attitude, problem solving and decision making, and task performance--non-stress and stress. (b) Professionalism is not associated with high performance ratings. These findings raise questions about the presumed impact of professionalism on law enforcement. / This research considered professionalism, as an area of sociological investigation, as primarily concerned with stratification of occupational groups, like policing, geared toward the improvement of performance. Thus, the exchange--structural and power perspectives were used as this study's theoretical framework. The theoretical models helped only in variable conceptualization, not explanation. / On the other hand, the significance of the study lies in its pioneering effort to utilize comprehensive measures to study police professionalism. The findings question the wisdom of equating professionalism and performance. Further refinement of theory and instrumentation for evaluating performance measured are recommended for futher study. / Source: Dissertation Abstracts International, Volume: 49-07, Section: A, page: 1969. / Major Professor: Thomas G. Blomberg. / Thesis (Ph.D.)--The Florida State University, 1988.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:fsu.edu/oai:fsu.digital.flvc.org:fsu_76329 |
| Contributors | Agyapong, Owusu-Ansah., Florida State University |
| Source Sets | Florida State University |
| Language | English |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Text |
| Format | 316 p. |
| Rights | On campus use only. |
| Relation | Dissertation Abstracts International |
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