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A Field Investigation of Multilevel Cynicism Toward Change

Author

Listed:
  • Katherine A. DeCelles

    (University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada M5S 3E6)

  • Paul E. Tesluk

    (University at Buffalo, Buffalo, New York 14260)

  • Faye S. Taxman

    (George Mason University, Fairfax, Virginia 22030)

Abstract

Although most research on cynicism toward change (CTC) has been conceptualized at the individual level, we propose that CTC is better conceptualized as a multilevel phenomenon, acting as both an employee attitude and an organizational climate. We conducted a multilevel investigation of CTC in a field sample of 687 correctional officers in the 14 prisons in a state penal system. Consistent with our hypotheses, both employee CTC and CTC climate uniquely predicted negative employee attitudes and behaviors directed at the organization. Offering insight into how to address CTC, we found that transformational leadership negatively relates to employee CTC and CTC climate. Our results highlight the importance of studying CTC in organizations from a multilevel perspective and suggest that transformational leadership is significant for supporting both functional employee attitudes and a facilitative climate toward organizational change.

Suggested Citation

  • Katherine A. DeCelles & Paul E. Tesluk & Faye S. Taxman, 2013. "A Field Investigation of Multilevel Cynicism Toward Change," Organization Science, INFORMS, vol. 24(1), pages 154-171, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:inm:ororsc:v:24:y:2013:i:1:p:154-171
    DOI: 10.1287/orsc.1110.0735
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Andrew M. Pettigrew, 1990. "Longitudinal Field Research on Change: Theory and Practice," Organization Science, INFORMS, vol. 1(3), pages 267-292, August.
    2. Judith D. Singer, 1998. "Using SAS PROC MIXED to Fit Multilevel Models, Hierarchical Models, and Individual Growth Models," Journal of Educational and Behavioral Statistics, , vol. 23(4), pages 323-355, December.
    3. Karl E. Weick & Kathleen M. Sutcliffe & David Obstfeld, 2005. "Organizing and the Process of Sensemaking," Organization Science, INFORMS, vol. 16(4), pages 409-421, August.
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    Cited by:

    1. Katherine A. DeCelles & Michel Anteby, 2020. "Compassion in the Clink: When and How Human Services Workers Overcome Barriers to Care," Organization Science, INFORMS, vol. 31(6), pages 1408-1431, November.
    2. Julia Balogun & Jean M. Bartunek & Boram Do, 2015. "Senior Managers’ Sensemaking and Responses to Strategic Change," Organization Science, INFORMS, vol. 26(4), pages 960-979, August.
    3. Bouckenooghe, Dave & Schwarz, Gavin M. & Kanar, Adam & Sanders, Karin, 2021. "Revisiting research on attitudes toward organizational change: Bibliometric analysis and content facet analysis," Journal of Business Research, Elsevier, vol. 135(C), pages 137-148.

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