Attribution Theory Essay

1) The attribution theory suggests that people try to determine if others’ behaviour is internally or externally caused, largely depending on distinctiveness, consensus, and consistency (Robbins, Millet & Water-Marsh, 2011). This theory helps to explain the behaviour of interviewers and interviewees in a job selection process.
According to the attribution theory, interviewees’ failure as a result of controllable events (such as effort) is viewed negatively by interviewers, while failure from uncontrollable events (such as ability) stimulates an understanding reaction by interviewers (Cariess & Waterworth, 2011). As “attributions about the cause of applicant failure can be clearly linked to hiring recommendations,” according to Cariess & Waterworth (2011, pg. 236), interviewees’ reason for their failure (effort or ability) largely impacts interviewers’ behaviour in a job selection process. Interviewers recommend interviewees with high effort-high ability first, followed by low effort-high ability, then high effort-low ability, and finally low effort-low ability (Cariess & Waterworth, 2011).
After failure events occur, the attribution theory further suggests that interviewees have poorer performance and discouraging emotions (shame) if they attribute the events to uncontrollable factors. Consequently, they get low self-esteem, which is a behaviour making interviewees believe that their failures make a statement about their personal self-worth, eventually leading to fewer job offers. However, if the attributions (about failure events) are made to controllable factors, interviewees have improved performance and more positive emotions (hope). They therefore get high self-esteem, which is a behaviour allowing interviewees to get supe...

... middle of paper ...

...ommate.
In retrospect, the attribution theory helps to explain the decision I made. This theory suggests that people try to determine if others’ behaviour was internally or externally caused, largely depending on distinctiveness, consensus, and consistency (Robbins, Millet & Water-Marsh, 2011). As Rachel’s behaviour was not very distinctive (it was usual) and extremely consistent (in a positive way), I judged it to be internally caused and the reason why I believed we would be good roommates (Robbins, Millet & Water-Marsh, 2011).
Now that I know about the attribution theory, it will help me in the future when I have to make another important decision about people, based on my perception of their behaviour and personal qualities. Specifically, I will be aware of the common biases people are affected by and not necessarily make decisions based on my initial instinct.