The Prison Journal 2015, Vol. 95(1) 135–156 © 2014 SAGE Publications Reprints and permissions: sagepub.com/journalsPermissions.nav DOI: 10.1177/0032885514563293 tpj.sagepub.com Article The Ties That Bind: Organizational Commitment and Its Effect on Correctional Orientation, Absenteeism, and Turnover Intent Eric G. Lambert 1 , Marie L. Griffin 2 , Nancy L. Hogan 3 , and Thomas Kelley 4 Abstract Recent literature has found that organizational commitment of correctional staff is highly influenced by the workplace and can either result in positive or negative behaviors. Most research, though, has examined predictors of only one type of commitment. This study looked at three types of commitment (continuance, moral, and affective) and their influence on the outcomes of correctional orientation, views of absenteeism, and turnover intent. The results indicate that the three dimensions of commitment varied in their impact on the organization outcomes and provide insight into the complex nature of the bonds that tie employees to this unique organization. 1 The University of Mississippi, University, USA 2 Arizona State University, Phoenix, USA 3 Ferris State University, Big Rapids, MI, USA 4 Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, USA Corresponding Author: Eric G. Lambert, Department of Legal Studies, The University of Mississippi, Odom Hall, University, MS 38677, USA. Email: eglamber@olemiss.edu 563293TPJ XX X 10.1177/0032885514563293The Prison JournalLambert et al. research-article 2014