NCJ Number
72174
Date Published
1976
Length
62 pages
Annotation
This Texas study examines value systems (tribalistic, egocentric, conformist, manipulative, sociocentric, and existential) that influence police officers.
Abstract
The investigative approach used in this study is based largely on the theories of Clare W. Graves; the analysis applies an ipsative measure to the various value systems operating with the defined law enforcement organizations. Organizational communications are analyzed and the need for improvement in interpersonal communication skills of all police officers is pointed out. The theoretical basis, the work of Graves, upon which the research instrument is based is presented. In brief, Graves' theory states that the development of the psychology of the human being is an emergent process marked by the progressive subordination of older lower-level value systems to new, higher-level value systems. People, therefore, have a potentially open syustem of aspirations, values, and needs; and the predominant value level influences the individual's behavior. Procedures of the study are described; they include the design of the test instrument, the criterion for population selection, the methods and problems of test administration, and the statistical procedures. The respondents for the study consisted of 297 commissioned officers. A questionnaire was administered to most of the men before or after their duty shifts; with the exception of a group of 22 officers from a regional supervisory training class, no inservice training time was allowed for the study. The respondents were not under time constraints. Data from the questionnaires was key punched onto cards, and an analysis of variance was conducted. Among the results were the following: (1) The younger the police officer, the higher his manipulative score; and the older the officer, the higher his sociocentrism. (2) Female officers tend to exhibit significantly higher conformist and tribalistic levels than male counterparts. (3) The more formal education the officer had, the less tribalism and sociocentrism he exhibited. Appendixes contain a description of the value systems used in the analysis, the survey questionnaire, and mean levels of psychological existence for respondents. Data tables, chapter references, and a bibliography listing 14 references are provided.