Author: Wan, Fuk Tai Rebecca
Title: A study of the motivation of the inspectors of police and police constables with special reference to expectancy theory
Degree: M.Sc.
Year: 1996
Subject: Police -- China -- Hong Kong
Constables -- China -- Hong Kong
Hong Kong Polytechnic University -- Dissertations
Department: Multi-disciplinary Studies
Pages: xi, 121 p. : ill. ; 30 cm
Language: English
Abstract: Based on expectancy theory and the analytical framework developed by Steers and Porter (1991), a motivation system consisting of the antecedents and consequential behaviors and attitudes of motivation is developed to assess the motivation of Inspectors and Constables of the Royal Hong Kong Police. The following hypotheses are tested: Hypothesis 1: H1: The motivation levels for Inspectors and Police Constables are significantly different. Hypothesis 2: H2: Motivation factors (scores) including Instrumentality, Valence and Expectancy of IPs and PCs are significant predictors of various behavioral and attitudinal outcomes, including turnover, attendance, job performance, job satisfaction, arrests (violent and non-violent crime) and number of grievances filed. Hypothesis 3: H3a: Job characteristics, including job autonomy, task significance, skill variety, task identity and feedback from the job, are significant predictors of the motivation level of IPs and PCs. H3b: Work environment factors, including feedback from supervisors, dealing with others, trust in peers, trust in management, grievance policy, pay and promotion are significant predictors of the motivation level of IPs and PCs. H3c: External environment factors, including social recognition and political uncertainty are significant predictors of the motivation level of IPs and PCs. H3d: Individual Characteristics, including marital status, number of children and staff association membership, are significant predictors of the motivational level of IPs and PCs. Hypothesis 4: H4: Motivation level mediates the relationship between the antecedents of motivation (i.e. job characteristics, work environment factors, external environment factors and individual characteristics) and the consequences of motivation level (i.e. turnover, attendance, job performance, job satisfaction, arrests on violent and non-violent crime and number of grievances filed). T-test and regression models were employed in the analyses. Results of T-test indicated that there was significant difference in motivation levels of IPs and PCs. Results of regression models established significant relationship between motivational factors including Instrumentality (I), Valence (V) and Expectancy (E) and consequential behaviors and attitudes , and significant relationship between antecedents under job characteristics, work environment, external environment and individual characteristic with motivation. However, the hypothesis of motivation as a mediator to the relationship between antecedents and consequences behaviors and attitudes is not supported. Nevertheless, a great number of antecedents are found to be significant predictors of motivation and consequential behaviors and attitudes. Recommendations have been made on those significant predictors common for both ranks and specific for IPs and PCs respectively with a view to effectively utilize the human resources in accomplishing organizational goals.
Rights: All rights reserved
Access: restricted access

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