Expanding Perceived Capacity of Public Sector Workers

Experimental Evidence on the Impact of a Counter‐Stereotypical Narrative on Public Perceptions of Correctional Officers

Datos Bibliográficos

ID6452057
AutoresJessie Harney (0000-0002-6961-0259, Colorado State University Fort Collins Colorado USA, autor de correspondencia)
Año2024
Volumen59
Número7
Páginas1158-1168
Fecha de publicación2024-12-28
Peer ReviewedSí
Open AccessSí
TipoARTICLE
RevistaSocial Policy and Administration (JOURNAL)
Identificadores de la revistaISSN: 0144-5596 • E-ISSN: 1467-9515
EditorialWiley (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1111/spol.13118
OpenAlexW4405869389
IdiomaEN
Citas recibidas1
Referencias citadas74

Understanding variation in perceptions of different types of street‐level bureaucrats (SLBs) is crucial, as is improving perceptions of the capacity of government to better serve its community in an ethical and authentic manner. In this U.S.‐based survey experiment ( n = 1642), participants who were randomly assigned to be initially presented with a counter‐stereotypical narrative of a correctional officer (CO) – a limitedly studied SLB – perceived COs as significantly more dedicated, compassionate and skilled than those who were presented this narrative after survey outcomes, with no impacts on perceptions of other public sector workers. Additionally, there was strong support for the claim that people, with access to the right type of training and education, can do most types of work. Collectively, this study may help guide future research to understand the viability of myriad changes to the way the United States handles justice, especially in relation to alternative models that rely on greater presence of public sector health and wellness practitioners

Business · Narrative · Perception · Political science · Public relations · Public sector · Crime, Deviance, and Social Control · Criminal Justice and Corrections Analysis · Policing Practices and Perceptions · Psychology