A study of task discrepancy and job satisfaction : the case of the Winnipeg juvenile probation officer

Abstract

This study considered the multi-task function of the Winnipeg Juvenile Probation Officer together with its particular impact on the level of job satisfaction of probation line staff in the field. It was found that the more discrepant probation officers become in the carrying out of work related tasks, in terms of what they believe they should be doing in their job as opposed to what they actually find themselves doing, the more likely they will experience lower levels of job satisfaction. Futhermore, task discrepancy accounted for the major proportion of the explained variation in job satisfaction. This study raises fundamental questions concerning the very nature of the probation function in contemporary juvenile corrections.