Attitude and human resource management
HRM is a management function that helps organization to recruit, select, train, develop and manage its members. HRM refers to a set of programs, functions, and activities designed and carried out in order to optimize both employee as well as organizational effectiveness. Attitude is one among the above areas which contributes to the organizational success. All attitudes are not discussed here. Only work related attitudes and its contribution to the success of the organization are considered. Attitude and organizational success are highly related. The ingredients of work related attitude and organizational success, the relation between them and other relevant details are discussed in this chapter.
3.2. Definition of attitude
The definition of attitude is “Attitudes are learned predispositions towards aspects of our environment. They may be positively or negatively directed towards certain people, service or institutions.”
3.3. Types of work related attitudes
Individual possess hundreds of attitude. But there are mainly three work related attitudes. They are Job satisfaction, Job involvement, and organizational commitment.
3.3.1. Job satisfaction
It refers to one’s feeling towards ones job. Individual having satisfaction will possess positive attitude towards the job. Dissatisfied people will have negative attitude.
3.3.2. Job involvement
It refers to the degree with which an individual identifies psychologically with his or her job and perceives his or her perceived performance level important to self worth. It refers one’s attachment with the job. High degree of job involvement results in fewer absences and lower resignation rates.
3.3.3. Organizational commitment
It is understood as one’s identification with his organization, its goals and feels proud of being its employee. Absenteeism and turnover are low when employees have organizational commitment.
3.4. Meaning of organizational success.
It means attainment of ultimate objectives and winning the war not every battle. Organizations fail because of lack of desire, dedication, direction and discipline. All balloons do not go up in the air. Some go up as they are filled with special gas. Others do not, because it is filled with ordinary air or has nothing inside. The same principle applies organizations. It is what is inside the organization that counts. That is attitude. People can be the biggest asset or the biggest liability. The success of an individual, organization or country depends on the quality of their people. If people had their better attitudes, they would be better team players and it would cut down waste, improve loyalty and in general make their company a great place to work. Human beings can change their attitudes of mind. Changing the attitudes of people is not a magic.
Just like a great building stands on a strong foundation, so does success. That is attitude. A study reveals that for a man's success, for example getting a job, the contribution goes to attitude which accounts for 85% whereas facts & figures accounts for the balance 15%. Three factors namely environment, experience & education determine an employees attitude. In a positive environment, a marginal performer's output goes up. In a negative environment a good performer's output goes down. In a corrupt environment, an honest person has a tough time whereas in an honest environment, the corrupt one has a tough time. The person with a positive personality is caring, confident, patient and humble. He is a fruit of all seasons.
3.5. Effect of positive attitude in an Organization.
The following are the benefits of the positive attitude of the employees which contributes to the success of the organization. These can be treated as attributes of success of an organization
Increases productivity
Solves problems
Fosters teamwork
Improves quality
Makes congenial atmosphere
Breeds loyalty
Increases profits
Fosters better relationships with employer, employee & customers
Helps a person to become a contributing member
Makes for a pleasing personality
