2. Attribution Theory and Motivation
Chapter 7
Attribution Theory and Motivation
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3. 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.
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4. 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

5. 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

6. Attribution-Emotion-Behavior Process
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7. 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.
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8. Summary of Attribution Styles
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9. Attributions and Motivational States
Learned Helplessness
Aggression
Empowerment
Resilience
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10. Summary of Attributions Associated with and Motivational States
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11. Five Techniques Managers Use to Promote Motivational Attributions
Screening for Resilience
Attributional Training
Immunization
Increasing Psychological Closeness
Multiple Raters of Performance
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