Unpacking job satisfaction among law enforcement through self-determination theory: a meta-analytic approach

The objective of this study is to conduct the first peer-reviewed meta-analysis of the predictors of job satisfaction among law enforcement. We draw upon self-determination theory (SDT) to guide our selection of six antecedents to include in our analysis.

We utilize Schmidt and Hunter’s (2015) meta-analytic methods of correcting correlations individually for artifacts. We also employ meta-analytic sub-group comparison methods as part of a moderator analysis.

The results in order from the smallest to the largest effect size are cynicism towards the public ρ = -.34, job autonomy ρ = .41, supervisor support ρ = .43, co-worker support ρ = .53, opportunities for professional development ρ = .58, and training ρ = .59. Regarding the subgroup analyses, the effect sizes for supervisor support were significantly weaker in individualistic countries than in collectivistic countries, and the effect size for autonomy was significantly stronger in individualistic countries than in collectivistic countries.

Our findings support the utility of SDT in explaining job satisfaction among law enforcement. While SDT has broad applications, the relative impact of each dimension of SDT on job satisfaction varies meaningfully across cultures.