A second trend that emerges from the available theory is to define
commitment in terms of an attitude. That is, attitudinal commitment
exists when “the identity of the person (is linked) to the organization”
(Sheldon, 1971, p. 143) or when “the goals of the organization and those
of the individual become increasingly integrated or congruent” (Hall et
al., 1970, p. 176). Attitudinal commitment thus represents a state in which
an individual identifies with a particular organization and its goals and
wishes to maintain membership in order to facilitate these goals. As noted
by March and Simon (1958), such commitment often encompasses an
exchange relationship in which individuals attach themselves to the organization
in return for certain rewards or payments from the organization.
It is with this second approach to organizational commitment that we are largely concerned, although our definition will include some aspects of
commitment-related behaviors.