A qualitative research study looking at the effects of prison culture on prison staff and possible solutions to perceived problems. By looking at prison management theory, prison culture, and staff culture, this paper provides a comprehensive explanation of the influences within prison relations and how those influences affect prison staff at both the ‘frontline’ and the administrative levels. This is the first research study in Canada to specifically relate the effects of prison culture on prison staff and examine the correctional institution as a workplace environment. Using interviews as the data collection method, this study shows how the unstable and chaotic nature of the prison negatively influences those working within it. This paper hopes to provide concrete solutions to the problems identified. By doing so, the prison as a workplace can be improved which results in increased job performance and job satisfaction and a better institution to live and work in.
Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)
- Abstract
- Introduction
- Research Questions
- Objectives
- Implications
- Literature Review
- Prison Management
- Prison Culture
- Staff Culture
- Concepts and Themes
- Theoretical Considerations
- Methodology
- Ethical Considerations
- Data Gathering
- Analytical Discussion
- Findings
- Discussion
Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)
This qualitative research study aims to understand the effects of prison culture on prison staff and explore potential solutions to identified problems. By examining prison management theory, prison culture, and staff culture, the study seeks to comprehensively explain the influences within prison relations and their impact on staff at both frontline and administrative levels. This is the first Canadian study to specifically address the effects of prison culture on prison staff, analyzing the correctional institution as a workplace.
- The influence of prison culture on staff relations and job performance.
- The consequences of inmate-employee interactions.
- The impact of workplace conditions on job satisfaction in a high-stress environment.
- Potential solutions to improve the prison workplace and enhance job satisfaction.
- Examination of existing prison management theories and their applicability to addressing staff challenges.
Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)
Abstract: This qualitative research study investigates the effects of prison culture on prison staff and proposes solutions to perceived problems. By analyzing prison management theory, prison culture, and staff culture, the paper comprehensively explains the influence of prison relations on staff at various levels. This is the first Canadian research study specifically addressing this topic and examining correctional institutions as workplaces. Using interviews, the study reveals how the unstable and chaotic nature of prison negatively affects staff. The paper aims to offer concrete solutions to improve the prison as a workplace, leading to increased job performance, satisfaction, and a better environment for both staff and inmates.
Introduction: Prisons, like any society, possess their own culture shaped by daily life within their unique circumstances. This prison culture incorporates knowledge, norms, values, and habits that have evolved naturally over time, influencing those within it. The significant factor distinguishing prison culture is the inmates' deprivation of liberty, creating organizational circumstances unlike other institutions. The study explores the effects of this culture on staff relations, aiming to understand the realities of working in a prison environment, and examines the influence of prison culture on staff at both the ground and administrative levels. The research questions address the extent of prison culture's influence, its effect on job performance, consequences of inmate/employee interactions, and potential solutions.
Literature Review: This chapter reviews existing literature to provide a foundation for the research. While ample information exists on prison culture, there is a scarcity of resources concerning staff culture and the effects of prison culture on staff. The chapter highlights the gap in research on prison officers’ experiences, which this study aims to address. It emphasizes the significance of workplace conditions in job satisfaction, especially within the highly dangerous and uncertain environment of correctional facilities. The chapter also explores the limited research on the employee side of prison life, underscoring the importance of this study to the field of criminology.
Prison Management: This section delves into the theoretical frameworks of prison management. Different management theories have been proposed and adopted for correctional facilities, each designed to address the unique characteristics of individual institutions. The primary goal of all managers is to clearly define objectives to ensure consistent understanding and actions among staff. This is particularly crucial in prisons where misunderstandings could be life-threatening. The chapter reviews the work of Chase Riveland on prison management trends and the comparison of societal needs versus inmate needs, highlighting the extensive research dedicated to prison management due to the unique challenges posed by managing criminal populations.
Prison Culture: This section explores the factors contributing to the unstable and dangerous nature of prisons, largely attributed to prison culture. It emphasizes the reciprocal relationship between the individuals involved and the prison culture itself, where the culture shapes the way the prison operates. The inherently unstable and dangerous characteristics of a prison environment significantly impact staff and require a careful analysis of existing frameworks to offer solutions and mitigate the negative consequences.
Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)
Prison culture, staff culture, prison management, job satisfaction, job performance, correctional institutions, workplace environment, inmate-employee interactions, qualitative research, Canada.
Frequently Asked Questions: Qualitative Research Study on Prison Culture and Staff
What is the main focus of this research study?
This qualitative research study investigates the effects of prison culture on prison staff in Canada. It aims to understand how prison culture influences staff relations, job performance, and job satisfaction, and to explore potential solutions to improve the prison workplace.
What are the key themes explored in the study?
The study explores the influence of prison culture on staff relations and job performance, the consequences of inmate-employee interactions, the impact of workplace conditions on job satisfaction in a high-stress environment, and potential solutions to improve the prison workplace and enhance job satisfaction. It also examines existing prison management theories and their applicability to addressing staff challenges.
What is the methodology used in this research?
The study employs a qualitative research approach. While specific methods aren't detailed in the preview, it mentions the use of interviews to gather data. Ethical considerations related to data gathering are also mentioned.
What are the key findings of the study (as previewed)?
The preview highlights that the unstable and chaotic nature of prison negatively affects staff. The study reveals the impact of prison culture on staff at both frontline and administrative levels. The research aims to offer concrete solutions to improve the prison as a workplace, leading to increased job performance, satisfaction, and a better environment for both staff and inmates.
What is the significance of this research?
This is the first Canadian study to specifically address the effects of prison culture on prison staff, analyzing the correctional institution as a workplace. It addresses a gap in the existing literature, which lacks sufficient research on prison officers’ experiences and the employee side of prison life.
What literature is reviewed in the study?
The literature review examines existing research on prison management, prison culture, and staff culture. It highlights the scarcity of resources concerning staff culture and the effects of prison culture on staff, emphasizing the importance of this study to the field of criminology.
What theoretical considerations are included in the study?
The study delves into theoretical frameworks of prison management, reviewing different management theories and their application to correctional facilities. It particularly focuses on the work of Chase Riveland on prison management trends and the comparison of societal needs versus inmate needs.
What are the chapter summaries included in the preview?
The preview provides summaries of the Abstract, Introduction, Literature Review, and sections on Prison Management and Prison Culture. These summaries highlight the key arguments and findings of each chapter.
What are the keywords associated with this research?
The keywords include: Prison culture, staff culture, prison management, job satisfaction, job performance, correctional institutions, workplace environment, inmate-employee interactions, qualitative research, Canada.
- Quote paper
- Cory Contini (Author), 2010, The Effect of Prison Culture on Prison Staff, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/230611