Andrew S. Denney

Transactional and transformational leadership

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to examine three different structural models the Leadership Challenge model to determine if they best capture transactional or transformational leadership. The three models are derived from the literature. Design/methodology/approach – The data for this study come from self-report surveys of middle managers that are attending the Administrative Officers Course at the Southern Police Institute. The managers completed the 30-item 360° leadership challenge measure. Because the leadership challenge measure is a 360° evaluation of leadership, up to five observers provided data about their manager. The authors use the data from the observer in this study. Using structural equation modeling, the authors examine the aims. Findings – The findings show two important advances. First, the leadership challenge model may capture both transformational and transactional leadership. Second, the findings support the view that the really captures transformational leadership. Originalit...

Disciplinary Infractions Behind Bars: An Exploration of Importation and Deprivation Theories

Using data from one Midwestern state, this article investigates whether or not characteristics of importation and deprivation serve as predictors of receipt of institutional disciplinary infractions. The results of the logistic regression analyses indicate that both importation and deprivation factors were significant indicators of having received disciplinary infractions. Specifically, among 585 adult male inmates, data reveal that two importation measures and two deprivation measures were significant predictors of receipt of any disciplinary infractions. An inmate’s gang membership status and conviction for a sex offense are also found to have been significant indicators of having or not having received at least one serious disciplinary infraction. Policy implications, limitations, and directions for future research are discussed.

How to Write a Literature Review

Learning how to effectively write a literature review is a critical tool for success for an academic, and perhaps even professional career. Being able to summarize and synthesize prior research pertaining to a certain topic not only demonstrates having a good grasp on available information for a topic, but it also assists in the learning process. Although literature reviews are important for one’s academic career, they are often misunderstood and underdeveloped. This article is intended to provide both undergraduate and graduate students in the criminal justice field specifically, and social sciences more generally, skills and perspectives on how to develop and/or strengthen their skills in writing a literature review. Included in this discussion are foci on the structure, process, and art of writing a literature review.

Characteristics of Successful Personal Ads in a BDSM On-Line Community

The bondage, discipline, sadism, and masochism (BDSM) community today uses online personal ads as a major way for members to meet. Such communities have designed their on-line experience around the format of the once prevalent newspaper/magazine personals ads and often feature physical descriptions, personal pictures, and special interests listings. This study examines personal profiles posted on an on-line BDSM community, which allows for the examination of the type and content of these ads that may be the impetus for them to be “successful.” As such, this approach goes beyond traditionally studied aspects of personal ads from other mainstream groups (Paul et al. 2010; Rajecki et al. 1991; Strassberg and Holty 2003). This is achieved through an experimental approach of creating profiles to see which attract the most viewers; such an approach is fairly unique, although not completely new (Goode 1996a; Sitton and Blanchard 1995; Strassberg and Holty 2003). Content-analysis is also performed on the viewers of the experimental profiles in order to gauge common characteristics/content that users have on their profiles for the purported purpose of making themselves attractive for more views.

Validating a Measure of Work Stress for Correctional Staff: A Structural Equation Modeling Approach

The purpose of this study is to examine the structure of a measure of work stress. More specifically, the research investigated whether six items properly identified a latent measure of work stress for correctional staff. Using data from a nonrandom sample of correctional staff, the results of the structural equation model analysis supported the view that the six items form one latent construct. The implications of these results are presented as well.

Probation Simulation: A High-Impact Practice

High-impact practices (HIPs) implemented in criminal justice have traditionally been designed as stand-alone courses. However, HIPs can also be integrated into existing criminal justice courses to deepen student empathetic understanding of key roles and concepts. As such, the purpose of the present study is threefold. First, we provide a discussion of a HIP probation simulation project created as a key part of an undergraduate community corrections elective course utilizing the D.E.A.L. Model for Critical Reflection for all assessments. Second, we examine student experiences at the conclusion of the HIP by performing a content analysis of the summary experience papers for themes related to their overall experience, and individual empathetic experiences as a probationer and probation officer. Third, we discuss suggested modifications for future iterations of this and similar HIPs implemented within existing criminal justice courses.