2. Introduction
The topics to be covered are:-
Meaning
Types
Component
Attitude as a mode
Measures
Barrier to change an attitude
Ways to change an attitude
3. Meaning
It is a way of thinking or feeling about something.
They are complex and an acquired state through experiences. It is an individual's predisposed state of
mind regarding a value and it is precipitated through a responsive expression toward a person, place,
thing, or event (the attitude object) which in turn influences the individual's thought and action.
4. Types Of An Attitude
Types of Attitudes:
Attitudes are of three types:-
a. Positive:
A favourable attitude—liking people, objects, situation, etc.
b. Negative:
An unfavourable attitude—does not like people/ objects, etc.
c. Neutral:
Neither favourable nor unfavourable.
5. Component
These components are also known as taxi CAB, that will get you where you want to go.
Cognitive component:- The cognitive component of attitudes refer to the beliefs, thoughts, and attributes that we would
associate with an object. Many times a person's attitude might be based on the negative and positive attributes they associate
with an object.
Affective component: -The affective component of attitudes refer to your feelings or emotions linked to an attitude object.
Affective responses influence attitudes in a number of ways. For example, many people are afraid/scared of spiders. So this
negative affective response is likely to cause you to have a negative attitude towards spiders.
Behavioural component:- The behavioural component of attitudes refer to past behaviours or experiences regarding an
attitude object. The idea that people might infer their attitudes from their previous actions.
6. Attitude must be a MODE
Attitude must include :-
M:- Motivation
O:-Opportunity
D:-Determinants of the attitude – behaviour.
E:- Empathy
When both are present, behaviour will be deliberate. When one is absent, impact on behaviour will be
spontaneous. A person's attitude can be measured in two different ways:
7. Measures of an Attitude
Explicit measure
Implicit measure
Explicit measure are attitudes at the conscious level, that are deliberately formed and easy to self-report.
Implicit measures are attitudes that are at an unconscious level, that are involuntarily formed and are typically
unknown to us.
Explicit and implicit attitudes can shape an individual's behaviour. Implicit attitudes, however, are most likely to
affect behaviour when the demands are steep and an individual feels stressed or distracted.
8. Barrier to Change an Attitude
Prior Commitment
When people feel a commitment towards a particular course of action that has already been agreed upon and thus it
becomes difficult for them to change or accept the new ways of functioning.
Insufficient Information
It also acts as a major barrier to change attitudes. Sometimes people do not see a reason why they should change their
attitude due to unavailability of adequate information.
Sometimes people do not see a reason why they should change their attitude due to unavailability of adequate
information.
Balance and Consistency
Another obstacle to change of attitude is the attitude theory of balance and consistency. That is human beings prefer their
attitudes about people and things to be in line with their behaviors towards each other and objects.
9. Lack of Resources
If plans become excessively ambitious, they can sometimes be obstructed by the lack of resources on the part of a company or
b organization.
So, in this case, if the organization wants to change the attitude of the employees towards the new plan, sometimes it becomes
impossible for the lack of resources to achieve this.
Improper Reward System
Sometimes, an improper reward system acts as a barrier to change attitude.
If an organization places too much emphasis on short-term performance and results, managers may ignore longer-term issues
as they set goals and formulate plans to achieve higher profits in short term.
If this reward system is introduced in the organization, then the employees are not motivated to change their attitude.
Resistance to Change
Another barrier is resistance to change.
Basically, change is a continuous process within and outside the organization to achieve the set goal.
When the authority changes a plan of the organization the employees have to change themselves.
But some of them do not like this. If their attitude regarding the change of plan cannot be changed, organization will not be
successful
10. Ways to change an attitude
1. Admit to yourself that you're not happy.
You can't change anything if you aren't aware that something needs to be changed. Stop the cycle of wishing things were
different and take control of your thoughts and reactions to events and people.
2. Realize optimism is a choice.
You are not born with a positive or negative attitude. It is something you become through your perspective of experiences. Very
few situations are completely bad. Always try to come up with three to five positives of any challenging situation and write them
down so you can remember them.
3. Use positive words.
Use statements like, "I am hopeful," or, "We will find a resolution," throughout the day. The words you use when you talk have
a major impact on your attitude and emotional outlook.
11. 4. Hang out with friends who have a happy vibe.
Try surrounding yourself with friends that exude positive energy. Pay attention to the words they use when they talk to you
about their day. You will be amazed how simple it is to ascertain if they are a positive or negative influence.
5. Say a daily affirmation.
Find a quote that is meaningful to you and say it aloud every morning. "Something great is going to happen today," sends
your energy in an expectant and positive direction. I know it sounds a bit "Zen" and somewhat mystical, but it is actually a very
simple and effective method for retraining your subconscious mind — and advocated by both ancient and scientific research.
So the next time you are faced with a challenging situation, remember these tips for molding your perception — and
improving your attitude. You may not be able to change it, but you can certainly choose your mental and physical response to it.
As time passes, you will notice a real shift in your attitude, and so will your friends and family!
