Factors Affecting Juvenile Care Workers’ Intent to Continue Working in Juvenile Corrections

Abstract

Employee turnover in social service organizations such as juvenile corrections poses a major problem for both administrators and frontline juvenile care workers (JCWs). Prior to turnover, many employees contemplate such an action; this is referred to as turnover intent. Several factors can affect JCWs’ decisions about whether to work in a facility or leave. The current study examined some of these factors using an integrated theory of person–environment fit and social identity. Findings indicate that perceived attitudes congruence (AC) between the juvenile detention staff and the climate of the facility was a significant predictor of intent to continue working as a juvenile staff. Results also revealed that juvenile staff strongly identified with their professional role as a salient part of their self-concept and individuals’ perceptions of shared attitudes with coworkers contributed to their professional identity. Perceived AC then predicted intent to continue working as a JCW. Implications for practice and future research are discussed.