Do disciplinary matrices moderate the effects of prior disciplinary actions on perceived organizational support (POS) among police officers?

Abstract

Previous research has argued that disciplinary matrices should increase positive attitudes toward the administration because this form of disciplinary practice allows for more salient, consistent, and predictable outcomes; however, no research has examined the influence of disciplinary actions on police officers’ attitudes, particularly among officers working in smaller agencies. Therefore, this exploratory study assessed the relationship between a department having a disciplinary matrix and perceived organizational support (POS) among police officers. Data were collected via a self-reported anonymous online survey administered by a state-wide police officer association in the southern USA. The findings suggest that the presence of a disciplinary matrix, a policy consisting of organizational justice components, has a positive association with officers’ POS and it also moderates disciplined officers’ POS. Thus, providing support that police administrators may be able to enhance organizational attitudes through the development and implementation of policies that adhere to organizational justice principles.