Available longitudinal evi-
dence supports this view (see, for example, Porter et al., 1974). Commit-
ment attitudes appear to develop slowly but consistently over time as
individuals think about the relationship between themselves and their
employer. Such findings would be predicted from the definition and avail-
able theory. Satisfaction, on the other hand, has been found to be a less
stable measure over time, reflecting more immediate reactions to specific
and tangible aspects of the work environment (e.g., pay, supervision,
etc.). Evidence for this transitory nature of satisfaction can be found in
Smith, Kendall, and Hulin (1969) and Porter et al. (1974).