Date of Conferral

2023

Degree

Ph.D.

School

Psychology

Advisor

John K. Schmidt

Abstract

A study was conducted to determine if previously incarcerated employee age, postsecondary education (PSE) attainment, prior incarceration status, and assessed self-efficacy predict job satisfaction. It also considered if organizational commitment had a moderating effect on the predictors ability to forecast the criterion. Two underlying theories considered in this study are Bandura’s social learning theory and Vroom’s expectancy theory. The obtained sample of 22 participants included seven previously incarcerated individuals. Demographic data used as predictors were employee age, PSE attainment, and prior incarceration status. Three instruments used included the New General Self-Efficacy Survey to assess self-efficacy as a predictor, the Job Satisfaction Survey to assess job satisfaction as the criterion, and the Organizational Commitment Survey to assess organizational commitment as a moderator. The multiple regression analysis indicated employee age, PSE attainment, prior incarceration, and self-efficacy did not predict job satisfaction. The planned analysis of organizational commitment as a moderator was not conducted, given the nonsignificant regression results. Positive social change may result from developing mentorship programs, private funding for correctional education, and amending laws to benefit ex-prisoners are a few ways stakeholders, organizations, and lawmakers can assist former prisoners in successfully transitioning into society. Future research with a larger representative sample and partnering with nonprofits and state agencies are also essential to increase the understanding of PSE and job satisfaction among correctional agencies, lawmakers, stakeholders, and community members.

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