Informal control collective efficacy among correctional staff

Abstract

Collective efficacy is often measured to capture informal social control and social cohesion among groups of individuals working towards a common goal. However, the availability of collective efficacy among employees of correctional institutions has been understudied in the literature. Using original data collected from the Delaware Department of Correction, this study analyzes the impact of collective efficacy in determining types of work perceptions among corrections staff. Given that correctional facilities are firmly established as masculine organizations in the gendered institutions literature, significant sex differences are also explored. Findings suggest that collective efficacy has a significant impact on positive work perceptions but is less influential on negative viewpoints. This effect is not homogenously experienced among staff. Additionally, informal social control, not social cohesion, is the driving force behind collective efficacy within correctional institutions. Translational implications and suggestions for future research are also discussed.