Probation Department Management by Objectives

Abstract

Management by objectives is a modern management model which has not yet gained general acceptance in correctional agencies, probably because they lack management sophistication and must contend with conflicting societal definitions of correc tional objectives. Yet, increasing managerial competence, the more systematic application of social science knowledge, and growing public demands for efficiency in correctional activities are making the use of this model imperative. The Los Angeles County Probation Department has taken the first steps in de veloping and implementing a management-by-objectives system. Such efforts are time consuming and difficult, but hold major promise for rationalizing correctional activities and increasing correctional efficiency.