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Determinants of Job Satisfaction Among South Korean Police Officers: The Effect of Urbanization in a Rapidly Developing Nation

NCJ Number
225720
Journal
Policing: An International Journal of Police Strategies & Management Volume: 31 Issue: 4 Dated: 2008 Pages: 694-714
Author(s)
EuiGab Hwang
Date Published
2008
Length
21 pages
Annotation
This research assessed the difference in job satisfaction between metropolitan and non-metropolitan police officers in South Korea.
Abstract
In contrast to expectations, the analyses did not support the hypothesized relationship that officers in metropolitan cities were less likely to be satisfied than those in smaller cities and rural areas. However, an important finding of this study revealed that there were differences in the predictors of job satisfaction between metropolitan cities and smaller areas. Specifically, length of service and rank negatively affected officers’ job satisfaction in metropolitan cities; this was not the case in smaller cities and rural areas. Utilizing survey data collected from 1,500 police officers throughout South Korea, this study compared the job satisfaction of police officers in metropolitan cities with that of officers in smaller areas in a rapidly developing nation. In addition, it assessed the difference in the factors that affected the job satisfaction of officers in metropolitan cities and smaller areas. Identifying the factors in officers’ job satisfaction in large cities and/or in less urbanized areas of Korea will help to formulate policies that will create a more satisfactory work environment for police officers in metropolitan and non-metropolitan areas. Tables and references