Recruitment, selection, training and performance evaluation at the Portuguese Public Safety Police – repercussions on work satisfaction, motivation and performance

Abstract

The study approaches theoretical contributes on recruiting, selecting, training and performance evaluation processes, as well as work satisfaction, work motivation and stress. Empirical study diagnoses these processes considering the perceptions of Portuguese National Police [Policia de Seguranca Publica (PSP)] professionals, as well as their motivation and satisfaction levels, main stress sources and repercussions on performance. Quantitative methodology was chosen. The evaluation protocol included measuring scales for stress sources, satisfaction with life, organisational commitment and perception on human resources (HR) processes. Analysis procedures included descriptive statistics, univariable and multivariable comparative analysis and regression analysis. The sample consisted of 146 professionals from six police stations. The analysis led to concluding on the need to perform changes on the human resources management (HRM) processes. Satisfaction with life and organisational commitment relate amongst themselves and inversely with stress sources, with all correlations being affected by demographic variables and by constraints derived from professional activity.