U.S. flag

An official website of the United States government, Department of Justice.

NCJRS Virtual Library

The Virtual Library houses over 235,000 criminal justice resources, including all known OJP works.
Click here to search the NCJRS Virtual Library

Impact of Distributive and Procedural Justice on Correctional Staff Job Stress, Job Satisfaction, and Organizational Commitment

NCJ Number
221622
Journal
Journal of Criminal Justice Volume: 35 Issue: 6 Dated: December 2007 Pages: 644-656
Author(s)
Eric G. Lambert; Nancy L. Hogan; Marie L. Griffin
Date Published
December 2007
Length
13 pages
Annotation
This study examined the impact of distributive and procedural justice, two forms of organizational justice, on correctional staff job stress, job satisfaction, and organizational commitment.
Abstract
Study findings support the contention that organizational justice (consisting of distributive and procedural justice) remains a significant dimension of the correctional work environment, shaping staff perceptions of job stress, job satisfaction, and organizational commitment. Distributive justice, but not procedural justice, had a significant effect on job stress. Procedural justice, but not distributive justice, had a direct impact on job satisfaction. Both distributive and procedural justice significantly influenced staff organizational commitment. The results with distributive and procedural justice as the independent variables indicate that work environment stressors cause employees to develop more negative impressions of distributive and procedural justice within their organization or work unit. Correctional facilities are part of a multifaceted industry that significantly influences society today. The role of correctional officer is tough, demanding, and highly stressful, as well as the heart and soul of any correctional facility. While there is a significant body of research on the impact of the work environment on correctional staff, this study sought to expand this knowledge by examining the effects of distributive and procedural justice (dimensions of organizational justice) on correctional staff job stress, job satisfaction, and organizational commitment. Tables, appendix and references