Going Above and Beyond: Procedural Justice, Mental Wellbeing, and Organizational Citizenship Among New Prison Officers

Abstract

This study explores the relationship between procedural justice, mental wellbeing, and confidence in carrying out organizational citizenship behavior among new prison officers recruited through the Unlocked Graduates Leadership Development Program in England and Wales. We found a direct association between supervisory procedural justice and organizational citizenship, and an indirect association between organizational procedural justice and organizational citizenship, through mental wellbeing. Our results highlight the importance of both supervisors and organizations treating their staff with procedural justice; not only is fair treatment associated with greater mental wellbeing, but it encourages behaviors that extend beyond formal job requirements. Cultivating such behaviors among new prison officers may ultimately improve practices, cultures, and outcomes for people in custody within prisons.