The effects of parole officers' perceptions of the organizational control structure and satisfaction with management on their attitudes toward policy change

Research on the organizational control structure in prison suggests that correctional officers' perceptions of reduced control negatively affected work-related attitudes. This study seeks to extend the literature by examining the impact that perceptions regarding the organizational control structure have on parole officers' attitudes toward policy change. The Ohio Adult Parole Authority Progressive Sanction Grid was implemented to increase uniformity when officers impose sanctions for offenders' violations of their release conditions. Using data collected via a statewide survey of parole officers concerning the implementation of a graduated sanctioning policy, this study examines the relationships between officers' perceptions of the organizational control structure, their satisfaction with upper-level management, and their attitudes toward policy change. Results indicate that perceptions of control impact satisfaction with upper management, which in turn, affects attitudes regarding the legitimacy of a reform that limited officers' discretion during the sanctioning process.