Hierarchical Analysis of Correctional Officers' Procedural Justice Judgments of Correctional Institutions: Examining the Influence of Transformational Leadership

• NCJ Number: 248694
• Journal: Justice Quarterly Dated: 2014
• Author(s): Thomas Baker; Jill A. Gordon; Faye S. Taxman
• Date Published: January 2014
• Length: 2 pages
• Sponsoring Agency: Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA)
• Publication Format: Article; Document (Online)
• Publication Type: Research (Applied/Empirical); Report (Study/Research); Report (Grant Sponsored)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This study examined 929 correctional officers in 40 institutions to determine whether criteria for fairness, leadership style, and officer and institutional characteristics influence officers' perceptions of procedural justice. .

Abstract

A substantial body of prior research has demonstrated the significant positive effect of organizational procedural justice on institutional policy compliance; however, research that examines the antecedents of organizational procedural justice is only just beginning to emerge in the criminal justice literature. Due to the potential for institutional deviance and the importance of rule adherence among individuals in positions of authority, the authors believe it is important to investigate correctional officers' procedural justice perceptions. The current study's results from hierarchical linear regression indicate that the ability to have a say in decisions, a sense that institutional rules are impartial, and perceptions that management leads through motivation and encouragement significantly increases correctional officers' perceptions of procedural justice. Implications and directions for future research are discussed. Tables, figures, and references (Publisher abstract modified)