Organizational commitment, stress and attitudes to change
Porter et al. (1976) defined organizational commitment as the relative strength of an
individual’s identification and involvement in a particular organization. Mowday et al.
(1982) conceive commitment as an attitude that reflects the nature and quality of the
linkage between an employee and an organization. It is 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. It is argued that commitment often
establishes an exchange relationship in which individuals attach themselves to the
organization in return for certain rewards from the organization (Buchanan, 1974).
Individuals come to organizations with certain needs, skills, expectations and they
hope to find a work environment where they can use their abilities and satisfy their
needs. When an organization can provide these opportunities, the likelihood of
increasing commitment is increased. It is obvious that this exchange doesn’t mean
exploitation of employees. Commitment can be characterized by at least three related
factors; a strong acceptance of the organization’s values and goals, a willingness to
exert considerable effort on behalf of the organization and a strong desire to maintain
membership in the organization. As a result, commitment is determined by a range of
organizational and individual factors such as personal characteristics, structural
characteristics, work experience and role related features.