Attitude

The Relationship Among Values, Attitudes, and Behaviors

How We Relate to Attitudes

In favour of things toward which we hold a positive attitude Against things toward which we have a negative attitude May encourage others to adopt attitudes and copy behavior

Root Causes of Negative Attitudes

Low self-esteem Unresolved conflict Work that is not satisfying Fear or uncertainty

The Powerful Influence of Attitudes

People with positive attitudes are more likely to achieve personal and professional goals People with negative attitudes find it difficult to achieve contentment or satisfaction in life Attitudes are a powerful force in any organization

The Powerful Influence of Attitudes

Suspicion and cynicism may have negative impact on employee-management relations Trust and hope may result in improved worker morale, or improve communication and cooperation between an employee and a supervisor Care by an employee can increase customer loyalty and set the stage for repeat business

How Attitudes Are Formed

Socialization Peer and reference groups Rewards and punishment Role model identification Cultural influences

Socialization
Process through which people are integrated into a society by exposure to actions and opinions of others Family is important in early years

Peer Groups
People ones own age Have powerful influence on attitude formation during adolescence Influence can be stronger than parents, teachers or other adults

Reference Groups
Several people who share a common interest Tend to influence each others behavior More influential than peer groups during young adulthood Point of comparison and source of information

Rewards and Punishment

Attitudes developed to minimize punishment and maximize rewards Organizations use these to encourage or discourage certain attitudes

Role Model Identification

A role model is someone that you admire or are likely to emulate:
o o o

Parents and relatives People from TV or movies People at work

Role Model Identification

Can exert considerable influence Supervisors are important Organizations should pay more attention to what supervisors do than what they say!

Cultural Influences
Total of knowledge, beliefs, values, and customs that we use to adapt to our environment People define themselves differently in different cultures Includes both tangible and intangible Organizations should strive to create positive corporate culture

Attitudes Valued by Employers

Attitudes sought by employers
o o o o o o

Self-motivation Openness to change Team spirit Health consciousness Appreciation of coworker diversity Honesty

How to Change Attitudes

Attitudes are hard to change Knowing how to change attitudes in yourself and others can be essential to effective human relations

Changing Your Own Attitude

Attitudes that help achieve positive results:
o o o o

Choose happiness Embrace optimism Think for yourself Keep an open mind

Choose Happiness
Happiness is the state of mind that permits us to live life enthusiastically Happy people Unhappy people
o o o

more sociable self-focused flexible socially withdrawn creative antagonistic

Energy builder and key to overcoming adversity and reaching goals Perceptions of situation are critical

Embrace Optimism
Optimistic thoughts give rise to good moods, which help develop positive attitudes Optimists are more likely to bounce back after a disappointment Focus on success rather than failure Avoid pessimism which leads to cynicism

Think for Yourself

Need for acceptance by group can lead to group think Two groups in the workplace
o o

Personal relationships Professional relationship

Overlap can cause confusion Evaluate situations based on your values!

Keep an Open Mind

Our attitudes may persist in the face of overwhelming evidence to the contrary Learn to consider other points of view and gently question your beliefs Expose yourself to experiences and information beyond what you have been socialized to believe

Helping Others Change Attitudes

Change the conditions that precede the behavior Change the consequences that follow when the person exhibits the behavior

Follow This Simple Rule

When experience is followed by positive consequence, person is likely to repeat behavior When followed by a negative consequence, behavior should soon stop

Word of Caution
View consequences through the eyes of the person you are trying to influence What you see as a negative may be a positive to someone else

Organizational Efforts
Organizations realize employees attitudes and performance cannot be separated Salaries and benefits traditional rewards Today, workers want
o o o o

Respect Interesting work Recognition Skill development

Organizational Efforts
Maintenance of positive attitudes helps productivity Provide benefits that workers consider important Find creative ways to influence worker attitudes