The nature, aetiology, and development of general work values of those in or interested in the police occupation were examined in a cross‐sectional study. Police science students ( n = 261) were compared to a current police officer group ( n = 169) on the Survey of Work Values and on demographic variables. Results indicated: (1) the student and current officer groups differed from previously studied samples on the Survey of Work Values; (2) students differed significantly from the officer group on the work values of activity preference and attitude towards earnings; (3) within the student sample, work values correlated with ethnic status, sex, education, and marital status; and (4) within the police sample, work values correlated with age and rank. Results are discussed in terms of socialization, selection, and organizational processes.
No takes yet. Share an insight, caveat, or question.
Zedeck et al. (1981) studied this question.