Attribution Theory and Motivation Chapter 7 Attribution Theory and Motivation © 2010 Jones and Bartlett Publishers, LLC

Learning Outcomes After completing this chapter, the student should be able to understand: 1. The basic premises of attribution theory. 2. The differences between optimistic, pessimistic, and hostile attribution styles. 3. The role of attributions, emotions, and expectations in motivating employees. 4. Techniques managers can use to promote accurate and motivational attributions.   © 2010 Jones and Bartlett Publishers, LLC

What is Attribution Theory? A causal explanation for an event or behavior. The basic premises of Attribution Theory is to provide managers with a better understanding of the highly cognitive and psychological mechanisms that influence motivation levels. © 2010 Jones and Bartlett Publishers, LLC

The Basic Premises of Attribution Theory: It is used to provide managers with a better understanding of the highly cognitive and psychological mechanisms that influence motivation levels. What is Attribution Theory? It is a causal explanation for an event or behavior. © 2010 Jones and Bartlett Publishers, LLC

Attribution-Emotion-Behavior Process © 2010 Jones and Bartlett Publishers, LLC

Differences between optimistic, pessimistic, and hostile attribution styles Optimistic attribution style: The tendency to attribute negative outcomes to external factors coupled with a tendency to attribute positive outcomes to internal factors. Pessimistic attribution style: The tendency to attribute negative outcomes to internal factors coupled with a tendency to attribute positive outcomes to external factors. Hostile attribution style: Denotes a tendency toward external attributions for negative outcomes. © 2010 Jones and Bartlett Publishers, LLC

Summary of Attribution Styles © 2010 Jones and Bartlett Publishers, LLC

Attributions and Motivational States Learned Helplessness Aggression Empowerment Resilience © 2010 Jones and Bartlett Publishers, LLC

Summary of Attributions Associated with and Motivational States © 2010 Jones and Bartlett Publishers, LLC

Five Techniques Managers Use to Promote Motivational Attributions Screening for Resilience Attributional Training Immunization Increasing Psychological Closeness Multiple Raters of Performance © 2010 Jones and Bartlett Publishers, LLC