Organisational Commitment

Organisational commitment, a key concept in organisational behaviour, refers to the psychological state of an individual's identification with, and involvement in, their organisation. It signifies an employee's emotional attachment to, and active engagement with, their organisation's goals, values, and overall well-being.

Mowday et al. (1979) define organisational commitment as "the relative strength of an individual's identification with and involvement in a particular organization". This definition highlights three core components:

1. Identification: This refers to the extent to which an employee sees themselves as a part of the organisation and identifies with its values and goals. For example, an employee who strongly identifies with their company's mission to provide sustainable products would feel a sense of shared purpose and belonging.
2. Involvement: This component encompasses the willingness and desire of an employee to exert effort and contribute to the organisation's success. An employee with high involvement would be willing to go the extra mile, take on additional responsibilities, and actively participate in organisational initiatives.
3. Desire to Maintain Membership: This aspect reflects an employee's intention to remain with the organisation long-term. Employees with high organisational commitment are less likely to leave their jobs, even when faced with more attractive external opportunities. Their strong connection to the organisation motivates them to stay and contribute to its future.

In essence, organisational commitment signifies more than just job satisfaction or a desire for financial security. It represents a deeper psychological attachment where individuals align their personal values and goals with those of the organisation, actively contribute to its success, and seek a long-term relationship.

**References** Mowday, R. T., Steers, R. M., & Porter, L. W. (1979). The measurement of organizational commitment. *Journal of vocational behavior*, *14*(2), 208-227.