Attribution for Success and Failure in Romanian Context. Theoretical Model that Accounts for Explaining Performance

Abstract

The present study has been aimed to explore the applicability of Weiner's attributive model for performance based on the point of view of a convenience sample of 120 people, equally divided by gender, belonging to two Romanian types of organizational settings: the public and the private sector. We also aimed to establish theoretical models for explaining the attributive patterns, based on variables such as: organizational context, gender or complexity of the attributive style. The results support Weiner's theory (1986), ascertaining the effect of gender on the inferential patterns, but not of the organizational context. Respectively, males and females, regardless of their organizational background, tend to internalize success. Men resort to aspects that indicate ability, while women prefer explanations in terms of effort. Failure is similarly attributed, mainly externalized. Explanatory theoretical models have been set for achievement inferences, predictors being: gender, preference for complex explanations, awareness of external causes operating from the past and social influences.