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Building Culture Strategically: A Team Approach for Corrections

NCJ Number
226609
Date Published
2007
Length
269 pages
Annotation
This guide developed, by the National Institute of Corrections’ (NIC's) Institutional Culture Initiative, presents models of strategic planning and management designed to produce higher quality work, build collaboration and interdependence, create safer and more secure environments, and help correctional facilities move strategically toward a positive culture to improve the quality of life for both staff and offenders.
Abstract
This guide presents the Rubik’s Cube Models of Strategic Planning and Strategic Management, the concepts and principles on which they are based, and detailed information on how to implement them. Although developed for correctional facilities, both models are applicable to any correctional setting. The work itself is team based and calls for the participation of staff from all levels and all departments. It is intended to lead to a variety of interim products in addition to the development of a comprehensive strategic plan and a plan for managing and responding strategically. It is intended to increase staff communication, commitment, and collaboration, and improve the quality of life for staff and offenders. In 2003-2004, both models were pilot tested at the Westville Correctional Facility in Indiana. Preliminary findings indicate positive changes in many aspects of facility life, including more effective management and leadership, greater staff investment in the facility, increased communication and cooperation, and less apathy. Offender grievances, escapes, and violent incidents decreased, and offender program completions increased. The models of strategic planning and management presented in this guide were developed as part of NIC’s Institutional Culture Initiative. The Initiative focuses on the major influences in developing a positive culture within State correctional institutions. Strategic planning has long been a central office function in State correctional agencies, but more individual facilities can benefit from taking on the responsibility of developing their own strategic plans in the context of their agency’s mission, vision, and mandates. References and appendixes A-G