Author(s):
Wolfgang-Ulrich Prigge & Rolf Sudek

Institution:
Universität Mainz

Title:
On Target with Target Agreement?

Abstract:
Polizei & Wissenschaft 4/2011, S. 36-47

Within the Rhineland-Palatinate Police Service the process of target agreement is, in conjunction with its kooperative management system, of especial importance. The aim of our research was to clarify whether and, further, to what extent the target agreement process has found acceptance with the employees of the Rhineland-Palatinate Police Force. The employees offer an ambivalent picture of the target agreement process. On the one hand, their point of view with regard to the target agreement process is in accordance with official guidelines, on the other hand, they clearly find fault with the way in which the target agreement process was put into practice. There is especial concern about the target agreement process orientation towards management concepts of the private sector being too strong. ‘Opponents’ and ‘proponents’ of the target agreement process differ especially clearly in regard to their attitude towards their superiors und in regard to their perception and evaluation of police organisation structures and decision-making processes. ‘Proponents’ emphasize participative aspects, are satisfied with the scope of their activities and feel that their superiors appreciate their efforts. They perceive the target agreement process within this context. The ‘opponents’ feel that their actions are for the most part hierarchically regulated and heteronomous.