Reviews : Management by Objectives in Probation
| DOI | 10.1177/026455058803500112 |
| Author | Andrew Bridges |
| Date | 01 March 1988 |
| Published date | 01 March 1988 |
| Subject Matter | Articles |
met
a
group of young burglars for three sessions
working with an ’adbocratic’ structure,
was
assessed, where it was- concluded that the
described in
Henry Mintzberg’s The
victims benefited from the meetings by
~’~‘YGIC~t~~~ of OrganisttlÎaffs.
acquiring more positive and realistic views of
Lorraine Parry-Khan makes a very clear
offenders and by becoming less angry and
analysis of how the change into working by
-an~ci~ua about their own
burglaries. Offenders
objectives has been received in a wide number
benefit by appreciating what victims think and
of field probation offices. Based on her
feel and both parties recognise the unresolved
experience in parts of the Midlands, she argues
conflict which results from burglaries. In the
effectively that practising probation officers
words of one offender ’victims deserve an
have reacted against the lack of any mention of
explanation’. It will be interesting to learn how
’values’ in SNOP, have been concerned about
this work develops.
the apparent relegation ofthroughcare and civil
This book does cover a wide range of topics
work, and have also had a new autocracy
and itis informative and informed. Itis good that
imposed on them, where previously Probation
the psychologists have now put their heads
has been a more loose-knit ’professional
above the prison walls. Inevitably the question
bureaucracy’ (viz Mintzber~). She argues that
arises whether their work
reinforces the system
individual probation officers should note be
or helps to ameliorate the conditions. On the
pathologised for some irrational reluctance to
showing of this work, and I have to declare an
change, but should be seen as expr~riencing role
interest for I was a prison psychologist, they do
dissonance’ :
endeavour to bring sense where there is non-
’... a form of psychological discomfort and stress
sense. Probably the most significant contri-
arising from adisctepancy between thecxpectations
bution has been to assess the effects of staff
...
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