Attitude change: The science of changing human attitudes and perspectives

Attitude change is difficult but part of any change management effort

Dynamic, vibrant organizations must be receptive to making big, necessary changes. Whether it’s undergoing a shift in goals to meet the changing nature of the economy, or altering work processes to boost productivity and other outcomes, change is essential, but difficult. Most people are reluctant to change their attitudes regarding what the best approach is, or to shift their outlook and reframe their goals (Vogel & Wanke, 2016); this is doubly true within organizations, where there is often an impetus to maintain “business as usual” (Reicher, Wanous, & Austin, 1997). Furthermore, attempts at persuasion often leave individuals more stubbornly entrenched in their pre-existing view (Banas & Richards, 2017).

How to change attitudes? Attitute change occurs gradually

As stated above, attitude change is difficult – most people are highly resistant to persuasion. This is especially true when a short-term attempt at changing a person’s view is made. Lasting, meaningful attitude change occurs gradually, over the course of weeks, months, and sometimes years (Brinol, Rucker, & Petty, 2015). It also tends to occur through meaningful, non-forceful discussions about competing viewpoints (LaCour & Green, 2014). The more an individual is allowed to slowly revise their views and arrive at a new outlook, the more effective an attempt at attitude change will typically be.

Dont' pressure people into shifting their attitudes

For you as a professional, the implications of this research are clear: do not try to pressure or cajole people into shifting their attitudes, outlooks and viewpoints. Even if you are seeking to energize, motivate, or encourage, direct attempts at changing how a person feels and thinks will be met with resistance. Instead, engage with your peers, team members or employees from a place of respect. Ask them to explain their viewpoints and feelings, and listen actively; when advocating for the view or process that you desire, speak from your own experience (Braddock & Dillard, 2016). While this process of positive influence may take a long time, and try your patience in some moments, it is far more likely to result in transformational outcomes (Yousef, 2017).

Let people arrive at a new viewpoint on their own

Research has shown consistently that when a person arrives at a new viewpoint on their own, their new attitude is more likely to be strong, impactful, and resistant to change (Barden & Tormala, 2014). Furthermore, the more deeply and carefully a person considers their beliefs and outlooks, the more likely they are to remain committed to those views, and the more likely it will be that this new outlook will influence behavior. People are generally more likely to seek out information on a topic, and reflect carefully upon it, and objectively about it, when they are able to choose to do so freely (Ranney & Clark, 2016).

Encourage independent thinking and give others agency

Rather than pushing a perspective or position on your employees, then, professionals should encourage independent thinking and give their peers, team members or employees agency. If you are seeking to implement a new process and want to convince employees that it is a desirable change, provide them with the same information that informed your decision. Let employees and team members see “behind the curtain” into your decision-making process, and grant them access to the research and logic that drives your managerial decisions.

Allow for dissenting views, accept and manage conflict in a constructive way

Allowing and encouraging your employees to reflect upon, and discuss, their views of the available information will leave them feeling empowered and valued, which will generally improve their work outcomes (Wu, Griffin, & Parker, 2015). In the short term, this may also result in vocal dissenting views, and hard conversations about whether your approach or outlook are the correct ones. However, as long as discussions remain civil and employees continue to do their work well, this increased autonomy and dissent will be beneficial. By trusting your employees to have agency and to form their own opinions, you are empowering them to engage in a meaningful, self-driven attitude shift (Vahasantanen, 2015).

Don't rely on facts and statistics only to foster attitude change 

When making a persuasive case for your viewpoint, or trying to influence employees to take on a new outlook within an organization, be careful to not rely on dry facts or statistics. While crucial organizational decisions ought to be informed by empirical facts and scientific logic, most individuals are not persuaded by such information (Best, 2018). Facts and statistics are often uninteresting to people, and can be difficult to process into a coherent “big picture” idea of what is true or right. Most individuals are especially skeptical of the facts they are given when an attempt at persuasion is being made; people are acutely aware that figures and statistics can be altered, or cherry-picked, to make a convincing case (Hutchens et al, 2016).

Make sense of information organized as a “story” that progresses

Psychological research indicates that when seeking to influence employee attitudes, using captivating narratives and compelling emotions is beneficial. Most people think and process information in a “narrative” format; it is easier to make sense of information, or change within an organization, if it is organized as a “story” that progresses (Cho, Shen, & Wilson, 2014). When advocating for shifts in employee outlook, you can emphasize how the times have changed, and how the industry has evolved. You can also use your own personal narrative of attitude evolution to persuade employees – people are often positively influenced by learning about the shifting viewpoints and personal growth of others.

Use emotional appeals to change human attitudes

When attempting to influence employees’ attitudes or viewpoints, utilizing emotional appeals is also beneficial. An effective manager will not attempt to emotionally manipulate employees; rather, they will convey important points using genuine, personal feeling. When discussing a change in workplace processes, show authentic enthusiasm for the benefits it will bring. If attempting to convince a team to take on a new set of goals or a more long-term outlook, convey hopefulness and joy. An emotive, warm manager is more likely to be successful at transforming their employees’ attitudes in a positive way (Prochazka, Vaculik, & Smutny, 2015).

Attitude change is one of a set of different change management levels

Changing organizations is a complex process that requires you to consider management interventions on a variety of levels. Individuals and specifically individual attitudes is one of those levels we addressed in the CQ Dossier. Furthermore, you should also be aware of how to change employee habits and workflows. On an organizational level, it is change communication and future orientation that is crucial to manage change in an effective and efficient way.