Attitudes are typically understood to have three components, often referred to as the ABC model of attitudes:
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Affective Component: This component refers to the emotional reaction or feelings an individual has toward a particular object, person, or situation. It encompasses the positive or negative feelings associated with the attitude — for example, feeling happy or angry about a colleague's performance.
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Behavioral Component: This involves the way an individual intends to behave or act in response to the object of the attitude. It encompasses the actions or observable behaviors that reflect an individual's attitude, such as deciding to help a teammate or avoiding a difficult task.
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Cognitive Component: This component pertains to the beliefs, thoughts, or perceptions that an individual holds about the object, person, or situation. It includes the knowledge, opinions, or assumptions that inform how a person interprets a specific issue, such as believing that teamwork leads to better outcomes.
Together, these three components interact to shape an individual's overall attitude toward various aspects of their environment, including their workplace.