BEYOND THE UNIFORM: CLIMATE OF FEAR, PSYCHOLOGICAL MEANINGFULNESS AND WORK ENGAGEMENT AMONG NIGERIAN POLICE CADETS

Abstract

Work engagement is a critical factor in job performance, well-being, and professional development in all occupational settings. In law enforcement environments which are often characterized by high stress, limited resources, and hierarchical structures, understanding what drives or hinders work engagement of police cadets is essential for improving training outcomes, maintaining institutional effectiveness, sustaining and long-term career satisfaction. However, little research exists on work engagement in public safety outfits and law enforcement agencies. Our study investigated climate of fear and psychological meaningfulness as emerging factors influencing work engagement of Nigerian police cadets (N = 798, 68.3% male, mean age = 20.62). They completed the Climate of Fear Questionnaire (CFQ), Psychological Meaningfulness Scale, and Utrecht Work Engagement Scale (UWES-17). Results of a hierarchical multiple regression revealed that those with higher climate of fear (β = .58, p<.001) and higher psychological meaningfulness (β = .48, p<.001) reported increased work engagement. The two predictors collectively explained 51% of the variance in work engagement. While fear is characterized by punitive measures, in training in environments marked by strict discipline and hierarchical control, it may serve as a motivator that enhances work engagement. A balance of fear-based motivation with initiatives promoting purposeful work experiences in police training programs is needed to enhance engagement and institutional effectiveness. More research to unravel how, when and why climate of fear alongside the sense of meaning at work influences work engagement is crucial for informing healthier institutional policies, enhancing police cadet’s performance and promoting their general well-being.

Keywords: Law enforcement, motivation, national security, police, stress, work engagement.