The Application of Attitude Functions to the Study of Job Attitudes

Author

Alistair MacDonald, University of Texas Permian Basin

Date of Award

7-2000

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Arts (MA)

Department

Psychology

First Advisor

Robert A. Bartsch, Ph.D.

Second Advisor

Spencer K. Thompson, Ph.D.

Third Advisor

Linda Montgomery, Ph.D.

Abstract

The current research applied the study of attitude functions to the domain of job attitudes. This study hypothesized that the psychological needs behind attitudes towards the organization would moderate the relationships between job attitudes. Forty-eight surveys were used from a sample of 81 faculty members. No significant moderating effects were found. However, a regression analysis found direct relationships between attitude functions and job attitudes. The social-adjustive (SA) function demonstrated a positive significant relationship with affective commitment and normative commitment. The self-esteem-maintenance function (S-E-M) demonstrated a negative significant relationship with affective commitment, normative commitment, and job satisfaction, and a significant positive relationship with continuance commitment. Implications for the organizational environment that should be facilitated at work are discussed.

Recommended Citation

MacDonald, Alistair, "The Application of Attitude Functions to the Study of Job Attitudes" (2000). Student Dissertations & Theses. 73.
https://falconcommons.utpb.edu/utpb-cas/73