Intentions

According to the Ajzen Model Theory of Planned Behavior, intention plays a key role in how attitudes and behaviors are formed. The model offers three factors that determine intention: attitude toward behavior, subjective norm, and perceived behavioral control. The stronger the factors, the more likely the action will be performed.

An example of this is shown in a study conducted by Abrahamse, et. al. in: "Factors influencing car use for commuting and the intention to reduce it: A question of self-interest or morality?" In this study, researches attempt to predict the behavior of commuting in response to environmental and traffic problems. The results revealed the following:

"Car use for commuting was mostly explained by variables related to individual outcomes (perceived behavioral control and attitudes) whereas the intention to reduce car use was mostly explained by variables related to morality ([subjective] norms). The study also found that perceived behavioral control moderated the relation between personal norms and behavioral intentions: stronger [subjective] norms were associated with stronger behavioral intentions, but only when perceived behavioral control was low." (Abrahamse, et. al.)

This all ties in to the organizational structure of the workplace. Having a solid foundation can lead us to predict positive behavioral intentions and attitudes, whereas weak foundations may push people to believe that they can get away with more negative actions.

Source: Abrahamse, Wokje, et al. "Factors influencing car use for commuting and the intention to reduce it: A question of self-interest or morality?." Transportation Research: Part F 12.4 (2009): 317-324. Academic Search Complete. EBSCO. Web. 16 Feb. 2010.