Attitudes and behaviour: To what extent is it feasible to bring about change in organisations by a direct attempt to change attitudes? And if this isn't the way, what is?

Abstract

This article is presented as training material for an introductory session on the management of change in organisations One of the most stubborn concepts to get across to a group of managers or supervisors is the relationship between attitude and behaviour and to define the distinction between the two. I believe that a working understanding of this relationship is critical to the business of improving human performance in the situation in which most of today's managers and supervisors work. It might seem a bit remote to stand up in front of a group of tough managers and tell them that you are going to help them to clarify the difference between attitude and behaviour in the belief that this will help them in their daily work of managing people. You can actually see the look of incredulity on their faces.

Citation

WELLENS, J. (1975), "Attitudes and behaviour: To what extent is it feasible to bring about change in organisations by a direct attempt to change attitudes? And if this isn't the way, what is?", Industrial and Commercial Training, Vol. 7 No. 2, pp. 58-63. https://doi.org/10.1108/eb003446