Team classification seeks to bring together various levels of correctional staff and the inmate to discuss and resolve issues pertaining to such matters as work and cell assignment, disciplinary action, furlough requests, and merit time considerations. The analysis of questionnaire data obtained from samples of 1,295 inmates and 555 staff in Missouri's adult correctional facilities supports the hypotheses that team classification, when successfully implemented, is (1) positively associated with staff attitudes toward inmates, work assignments, and other staff, and, with inmate attitudes toward staff and both living and program assignments; (2) negatively associated with staff punitiveness and role conflict and with inmate alienation. An effective team classification process that enables staff from various levels to work together and that permits the inmate to represent his interests in the decision-making process provides each member with a greater commitment to voice in and understand the institution's treatment of inmates. This, in turn, improves their perception of the living/working conditions within the institution.
