An Analysis of the Relationship Between Attitudinal Commitment and Behavioral Commitment

Abstract

This article is concerned with the relationship between attitudinal and behavioral commitment. The role of work rewards and status characteristics regarding this issue is also considered. Data from 1,385 workers representing a variety of occupational groups suggest that attitudinal and behavioral commitment have strong reciprocal effects. The two-stage least-squares estimates indicate that behavioral commitment is the strongest predictor of attitudinal commitment, and vice versa. These data further suggest that attitudinal and behavioral commitment may have their roots in different aspects of the work setting. The implications of these findings are discussed.