Experimental exploration of attitude change: A path model of cognitive dissonance, resilience, and readiness for organizational change among prospective teachers

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Tezin Türü: Doktora

Tezin Yürütüldüğü Kurum: Orta Doğu Teknik Üniversitesi, Eğitim Fakültesi, Eğitim Bilimleri Bölümü, Türkiye

Tezin Onay Tarihi: 2017

Öğrenci: ÖMER ÇALIŞKAN

Danışman: GÖKÇE GÖKALP

Özet:

The purpose of this study was to compare three different attitude groups (negative attitude group, positive attitude group, and control group) with respect to the magnitude of change obtained for Readiness for Organizational Change (RFOC) factors (personal benefit, change efficacy, appropriateness, and management support), and to test two separate path models investigating the nature of the relationships between Cognitive Dissonance and Resilience in predicting the magnitude of change obtained for RFOC factors, in relation to an upcoming educational change initiative (Novice Teacher Training Program). The sample included 201 undergraduate students pursuing degrees at the faculty of education in a public university in Ankara. The data was collected by creating a quasi- experimental setting through the RFOC, Cognitive Dissonance, and Resilience scales. The results revealed that both the positive attitude group and negative attitude group significantly differed from the control group in terms of the magnitude of change obtained for RFOC variables. Regarding the separate path analyses, the first path v analysis revealed that Cognitive Dissonance positively and significantly predicted the magnitude of RFOC factors as; change efficacy and appropriateness. The second path analysis yielded that Cognitive Dissonance negatively and significantly predicted the magnitude of RFOC factors as; change efficacy and appropriateness. Last, Resilience did not predict Cognitive Dissonance and the magnitude of RFOC factors. Through this study, an experimental exploration of attitude change in Turkish education context was enabled by means of adopting persuasive change- message approach and cognitive dissonance theory. The findings offer insightful implications for theory, practice, and research in change implementations.