Values, Attitudes, and Work Behaviour
An attitude is and overall evaluation of an attitude object
We should study attitudes because so mahy important phenomena are attitudes
The nature of an attitude is typically formed in memory; once formed , relatively enduring and difficult to change.
Components of an attitude
1. Cognitive component – your beliefs about the object
2. Affective component – your feelings, emotions about the object
3. Behavioural component – your past behaviour an/or your behavioral intentions about the object
How do attitudes relate to behaviour
Long assumed that attitudes predict behaviour
Research reveals that the relationship is weak and complicated
1. Attitudes -> Behavioural Intentions
2. Behavioural intentions -> behaviour
Behavioural intentions could also be affected by situational factors and personal factors
Behavourial component is the most problematic
3. Behaviour -> attitude – we act first then form our attitude. We do this because of the cognitive Dissonance Theory.
Cognitive Dissonance Theory
Hold and initial attitude
Voluntarily behave in a manner that in incongruent with your attitude – behave in a manner that is inconsistent with your attitude that you hold.
Experience feelings of dissonance - discomfort produced by violation of the self concept
If you can change the behaviour you change your attitude.
Workplace attitudes
1. Organizational commitment
2. Job satisfaction
Organizational commitment
Affective – the extent to which the employee identifies with and is emotionally attached to the organization – identification and emotionally connected
Continuance – the