Positive Effects of Participative Decision Making for Midlevel Correctional Management

• NCJ Number: 240023
• Journal: Criminal Justice and Behavior Volume: 39 Issue: 10 Dated: October 2012 Pages: 1361-1372
• Author(s): David W. Reeves; Benjamin M. Walsh; Michael D. Tuller; Vicki J. Magley
• Date Published: October 2012
• Length: 12 pages
• Grant Number(s): 1 U19 OH008857
• Sponsoring Agency: National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)
• Publication Format: Article
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This study examined the effects of increased participation in decisionmaking for middle managers within corrections.

Abstract

This study examined the effects of increased participation in decisionmaking on perceived supervisory and organizational support among middle managers within corrections. Using data collected from 146 middle managers and structural equation modeling, the authors found that increases in participation in decisionmaking were associated with increases in both perceived supervisor support and perceived organizational support. Furthermore, the relationship between participation in decisionmaking and perceived organizational support was partially mediated by perceived supervisor support. The present study extends the literature by being the first examination of the relationships between participation in decisionmaking and perceived supervisor and organizational support within corrections. It also extends the corrections literature by focusing on key individuals within corrections, middle managers, who for the most part have been ignored in the published literature. Suggestions for enhancing the involvement of middle management in decisions are discussed as well as limitations and opportunities for future research. Abstract published by arrangement with Sage Journals.