THE VALUE OF ACTION THEORY

As an integrative metatheory, action theory illuminates the implications of specific cognitive and social psychological theories for industrial/organizational issues.

For example, studies based on the theories of actionstate orientation and self-discrimination revealed that distractible state-oriented individuals are less likely to efficiently translate intentions into action and more likely to falsely redefine external demands as their own goals. Action theory also helps explain the impact of societal transformations on work activities. Longitudinal research based on action theory demonstrated that increases in the levels of complexity and control experienced by East German employees after the country’s reunification enhanced their personal initiative

(i.e., organizationally functional forms of self-started, proactive, and persistent behavior).

In conclusion, action theory distinguishes itself from most micro industrial/organizational models because of its scope, its versatility, its theoretical foundation in cognitive science, its applicability to various facets of everyday work behavior, and its simultaneous consideration of objective environments, internal mental operations, and observable behavioral outcomes. By bridging the gaps between

the environment and cognition (e.g., via task redefinitions in the action sequence) and between cognition and action (e.g., via plans as starting points for action theory integrates cognitivist and behavioral approaches. Action theory has been described as a way of thinking that leads to a sharper understanding of how our cognitive apparatus is used and shaped in the workplace and in relation to the world we

inhabit.

—Michael Frese and Johannes Rank

(Rogelberg, 2007)