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Work environment in relation to employee job satisfaction in group homes for youths

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Abstract

Group home programs for youths were investigated in order to: (a) measure employment longevity in four occupational groups employed in group home treatment settings, (b) report current working conditions and job satisfaction levels, and (c) compare relationships between the group home work environment and employee job satisfaction. Subjects included 57 current and 51 former administrative/treatment employees from 26 participating group homes in Kansas. Several differences were found among four different occupational groups in employee longevity, work environment and satisfaction levels. Length of employment was longest for teaching-parents, followed respectively by houseparents, directors, and other employees. Eight significant work environment differences and five job satisfaction differences were reported among the four groups. Fourteen significant correlations were reported between work environment variables and job satisfaction ratings. A regression analysis reported significant predictors of two “overall” job satisfaction ratings. The research suggested that (1) group home employees have short tenures, (2) the different occupational groups have differing job satisfaction levels, (3) better working conditions are related to higher job satisfaction ratings, and (4) employee contact with the youths is related inversely to improvements in job satisfaction.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. University of Kansas, USA

    Richard T. Connis, Curtis J. Braukmann, Robert E. Kifer, Dean L. Fixsen, Elery L. Phillips & Montrose M. Wolf

Authors
  1. Richard T. Connis
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  2. Curtis J. Braukmann
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  3. Robert E. Kifer
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  4. Dean L. Fixsen
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  5. Elery L. Phillips
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  6. Montrose M. Wolf
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Additional information

Richard T. Connis is now at the Department of Psychology, University of Washington, Seattle; Robert E. Kifer is now at Sagamore Children's Center, Melville, New York; and Dean L. Fixsen and Elery L. Phillips are now at Father Flanagan's Boys Home, Omaha, Nebraska.

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Connis, R.T., Braukmann, C.J., Kifer, R.E. et al. Work environment in relation to employee job satisfaction in group homes for youths. Child Youth Care Forum 8, 126–142 (1979). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01554713

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