NCJ Number
223934
Journal
Journal of Criminal Justice Volume: 36 Issue: 4 Dated: August 2008 Pages: 306-331
Date Published
August 2008
Length
6 pages
Annotation
This study compared the personality characteristics of 280 police officers in an Australian State police force who voluntarily terminated their employment during an 8-year period with 280 officers in the same agency who remained employed.
Abstract
Based on the findings of the Sixteen Personality Factor (16PF) questionnaire, the study found that only three personality characteristics predicted employee turnover. Factor C, being affected by feelings versus being emotionally stable, predicted voluntary resignation, which was consistent with previous research. Factor I, being more “tender-minded” than “tough-minded,” also predicted voluntary termination. The third factor that predicted turnover was Factor H, a measure of the shyness-venturesome contrast. Officers who voluntarily terminated their employment were more venturesome than shy, indicating they were more dominant, bold, and had a tendency toward self-exhibition. Such qualities may make them less compliant in an organizational culture that is hierarchical and rule-oriented. Contrary to the authors’ expectations, neither of the conscientiousness personality constructs was related to turnover. The finding that several personality characteristics assessed by the 16PF predict turnover provides important validity information on which to base officer candidate selection decisions. The personality factors measured in this study were three emotional-stability characteristics (affected by feelings versus emotionally stable, placid versus apprehensive, and relaxed versus tense); two conscientiousness characteristics (expedient versus conscientious and undisciplined versus controlled); and two extroversion characteristics (reserved versus outgoing and shy versus venturesome). 3 tables and 66 references