CANTOR, CRISTOBAL M.

BSED 11 - F

Difference between Values and Attitudes (Explained)

There are some similarities and differences in values and attitudes. These are;

Similarities between Values and Attitudes

 Values and attitudes are two important variables influencing the cognitive process and
behavior.
 They are learned and acquired essentially from the same sources.
 They endure and are resistant to change.
 They have a reciprocal influence and are used interchangeably.

Dissimilarities between Values and Attitudes

Values Attitudes
Attitudes are the response that is a result of our
Values help to guide our behavior.
values.
Values decide what we think as for right, wrong, Attitudes are our likes and dislike of things,
good, or unjust. people, and objects.
Attitudes are changeable with favorable
Values are more or less permanent in nature.
experiences.
They represent a single belief that, guides
They represent several beliefs focused on a
actions and judgment across objects and
specific object or situation.
situations.
They derived from social and cultural mores. These are personal experiences.

Values and behaviours

It can be very valuable for an organisation, nonprofit or commercial, to have an explicit set of
values or principles. It's one way of being very clear about what you believe, what you consider
as important and what you want to guide your culture and how your people behave. Here's an
excellent example I came across.
It's an organisation in the health field (a hospital) which has chosen 5 values. Then they created
a short list of behaviours under each of these values, written in clear and simple English (ah, my
favourite kind).
The list shows the positive (here are the behaviours we think illustrate this value in action) and
also the negative (here are behaviours contrary to the value, which we don't want around here).

Here's an example.
The value: Integrity by being open honest and fair.
The expected/encouraged behaviours are:
 I take responsibility for my actions
 I do what I say
 I communicate in an open,genuine manner
And the illustrated unacceptable ones:
 I say one thing and do another
 I gossip and spread rumours
 I conceal mistakes
CANTOR, CRISTOBAL M.
BSED 11 - F

Comparison Chart
BASIS FOR
ATTITUDE BEHAVIOR
COMPARISON

Meaning Attitude refers to a person's mental Behavior implies the actions,

view, regarding the way he/she moves, conduct or functions of an
thinks or feels about someone or individual or group towards other
something. persons.

Based on Experience and observation Situation

Trait Human Inborn

What is it? A person's mindset. Outward expression of attitude.

Reflects What you think or feel? What you do?

Defined by Way we perceive things. Social Norms

Definition of Attitude
To put simply, attitude is a person’s mental outlook, which defines the way we think or feel
anything. It is a hypothetical construct, i.e. whose direct observation is not possible. It is a
predisposition to respond in a settled way to a person, event, opinion, object, etc., which is
reflected in our body language. It has a strong impact on our decisions, actions, stimuli, etc.
Education, experience, and environment are the major factors that affect a person’s attitude.
A person’s attitude can be positive, negative or neutral views, which shows one’s likes and dislikes
for someone or something. So, the type of attitude we carry, speaks a lot about us, as we get into
that mood and transmits a message to the people around us. There is no such thing like ideal
attitude, for a particular situation as it is spontaneous and so we always have a choice to opt the
right attitude for us.
Definition of Behavior
The term ‘behavior’ can be described as the way of conducting oneself. It is the manner of acting
or controlling oneself towards other people. It is the range of actions, responses, and mannerisms
set by an individual, system or organization in association with themselves or their environment,
in any circumstances.
In short, behavior is an individual or group reaction to inputs such as an action, environment or
stimulus which can be internal or external, voluntary or involuntary, conscious or subconscious.
Key Differences Between Attitude and Behavior
The difference between attitude and behavior can be drawn clearly on the following grounds:
Attitude is defined as a person’s mental tendency, which is responsible for the way he thinks or
feels for someone or something. Behavior implies the actions, moves, conduct or functions or an
individual or group towards other persons.
A person’s attitude is mainly based on the experiences gained by him during the course of his life
and observations. On the other hand, the behavior of a person relies on the situation.
Attitude is a person’s inner thoughts and feelings. As opposed to, behavior expresses a person’s
attitude.
The way of thinking or feeling is reflected by a person’s attitude. On the contrary, a person’s
conduct is reflected by his behavior.
Attitude is defined by the way we perceive things whereas behavior is ruled by social norms.
Attitude is a human trait but behavior is an inborn attribute.
Conclusion
So, with the above discussion, it is clear that whatever you say or do, conveys a message to the
world about what’s going on in your mind. It is universally accepted fact that our emotions,
opinions and thoughts cannot be observed, which shows our attitude. Further, our behavior is
ruled by our attitude as his actions are the reflection of his thoughts.
While attitude is nothing but a person’s perception on something or someone in life. As against
this behavior, is how a person reacts to various inputs and stimulus.