Title

Antecedents of Role Stress Among Correctional Staff: A Replication and Expansion

Abstract

Role stress is an important aspect of the prison workplace that impairs organizational functioning and can have negative effects for correctional staff. While the effects of role stress on correctional workers are largely known, few studies have examined the causes of role stress. The current study explores potential antecedents of role stress among 160 correctional staff at a private Midwestern prison. Multivariate OLS (ordinary least squares) regression analysis identified five statistically significant predictors of role stress: instrumental communication, supervisory support, formalization, job autonomy, and race. The results suggest that correctional managers and supervisors can reduce role stress substantially by clarifying the roles, responsibilities, and expectations of employees, creating a supportive atmosphere for workers, and identifying areas where staff can have greater control over their jobs.

Department(s)

Criminology and Criminal Justice

Document Type

Article

DOI

https://doi.org/10.1177/0887403412451445

Keywords

correctional staff, job autonomy, organizational structure, role stress, supervision

Publication Date

9-1-2013

Journal Title

Criminal Justice Policy Review

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