Question

Lynn’s company supported her both personally and financially when she went back to school to pursue her Master’s degree. Consequently, Lynn feels indebted toward her company and is hesitant to search for more lucrative jobs. In the context of organizational psychology, Lynn’s commitment would be best described as _____ in this scenario.
A. affective commitment
B. continuance commitment
C. normative commitment
D. personal commitment

Answer 1

Lynn's commitment would be best described as normative commitment (C) in this scenario.

Out of all types of organizational commitment, the one which results from a sense of obligation to stay is called normative commitment. It differs from:

• affective commitment (desire to stay) which involves a personal attachment,
• continuance commitment (need to stay) which involves a fear of loss.

Here, we are told that Lynn "feels indebted toward her company," which makes her "hesitant" to change jobs even though she may find better-paid ones in other companies. The idea is that her employer's generous support in her time of need binds her by creating a sense of moral duty, like she owes the company something.