The Function of Leadership as it Relates to Job Satisfaction among Maryland Parole and Probation Officers

Abstract

This study sought to examine the relationship between leadership and job satisfaction among Maryland parole and probation officers. Specifically the study investigated the relationship between transformational and transactional leadership styles and job satisfaction. The goal of this study is to determine which leadership style accounts for most of the variance in perception of job satisfaction among Maryland parole and probation officers. A total of 160 survey packages were mailed out to the Maryland parole and probation officers of which 115 officers returned completed survey packages representing 71.9%, while 45 officers did not return theirs representing 28.1%. The result of the study showed that management by exception (active) leadership factor had a positive correlation with job satisfaction. Based on the analysis, the study concluded that management by exception (active) was the only leadership factor that had positive relationship with job satisfaction among Maryland parole and probation officers. Therefore, management by exception (Active) factor accounts for most of the variance in perception of job satisfaction among Maryland parole and probation officers.Key Words: Leadership, Criminal Justice, Job Satisfaction, Parole, and Probation.