In the last issue we covered the meaning of Police work: making a living, serving the public, earning to donate, and personal growth. Now it is time to consider how best to ensure that we can derive job satisfaction from our commitment.

Working with satisfaction and commitment is important. Some may believe that job satisfaction only happens to those officers with high-rank. Whether that is true or not is entirely your choice. Indeed, irrespective of rank, everyone can make work a satisfying experience for themselves and for those working with or for him/her. Everyone needs the autonomy to make the choice to become motivated and needs participation to stay committed. In view of the nature of our work, it might be difficult to allow 'the team' to decide what to do each time. However, it is often definitely feasible to let the team decide and take part in decision-making. Remember those on the tasks are the ones who know the tricks best. And it is certainly true that officers who patrol the streets everyday most certainly know the local environs and characters best. Letting them contribute to decisions on how to accomplish task will not only save time but also enhance commitment and hence results.

When given an opportunity, most will offer the very best of their knowledge and experience. They get more out of each opportunity and gain an important degree of job satisfaction. We know that incremental choice and participation leads to greater and greater commitment. So it is up to all officers, at every level, to create as many choices as possible for yourself and your team within the limits given. If that is done, all will be surprised by the level of satisfaction and commitment generated.

References: Crainer, S. & Dearlove, D. (2001) Firestarters igniting the new entrepreneurial organisation. FT. com; Deci, Edward L., & Flaste, R. (1995) Why we do what we do: understanding self-motivation. Penguin books; O'Reilly C. (1996) Corporations, Culture & Commitment: Motivation & Social Control in Organizations, in Steers, R.M., Porter, L.W., & Bigley, G.A, (eds) Motivation & Leadership at Work; McGraw-Hill Series in Management. Shamir, B. (1996) Meaning, Self & Motivation in Organizations, in Steers, R.M., Porter, L.W., & Bigley, G.A, (eds.),Motivation & Leadership at work.

Stress management workshops

The PSG is organising a series of stress management workshops to be conducted in Chinese. The next one is at the PSRC Sportsman Bar on September 20 from 8.45 am to 12.30 pm. Participants are requested to arrive 15 minutes before the programme starts. Thirty places for each session will be allocated on a first-come-first-served basis. To make a reservation contact PSG at 2866-6207.

Seek advice and help from the Psychological Services Group: PHQ, Hong Kong Island and Marine : 2866-6206 (5/F, 111 Leighton Road, Causeway Bay); Kowloon and the New Territories: 2735-3739 (22/F, Ocean Building, 80 Shanghai Street, Kowloon). PEN: psg@police. gov.hk