Perceived stress, work demands, needs and fulfilment of Maltese police officers

Abstract

The objective of this dissertation is to assess perceived stressors and work demands of Maltese police officers. The study also aims at eliciting and examining job motivation and satisfaction needs and fulfilment in the light of existing literature. Using a same questionnaire with a stratified random sample of fifteen per cent of the entire police corps, the study delves into comparisons in attitudes and beliefs, while attempting to find the positive and negative aspects of this profession, as seen through the eyes of the respondents. It was made a point that the sample would represent all the different sections and ranks that make up the police force. Results were also compared to a smaller, similar study that was carried out with a representative sample of Scottish Police officers, in 1997 (using the same questionnaire). Apart from the quantitative aspect of the study, a qualitative approach was also adopted by means of unstructured interviews with police personnel of different ranks and working experiences., which helped to bring out more the humane side of the respondents. From the findings, it transpired that, on the whole, the majority of police officers view their job positively, and seem to be achieving a great sense of self-fulfilment. Yet a number of stressors are blatantly causing undue stress to a good number of respondents. The study finally attempts to put forward recommendations on how the needs and expectations of this group of people can be met, thus rendering their work less stressful and consequently more intrinsically and extrinsically motivating and satisfying.