TPB paper 22 Dec 05.pdf (134.02 kB)
Download fileHow well can the theory of planned behavior account for occupational intentions?
journal contribution
posted on 2009-04-30, 12:45 authored by John ArnoldJohn Arnold, John Loan-Clarke, Crispin CoombsCrispin Coombs, Adrian Wilkinson, Jennifer Park, Diane PrestonWe tested the capacity of an extended version of the theory of planned behavior (TPB) to
account for intentions to work for the UK’s National Health Service as a nurse,
physiotherapist or radiographer amongst three groups: professionally unqualified (N = 507),
in professional training (N = 244), and professionally qualified (N = 227). We found strong
support for attitude and subjective norm as predictors of behavioral intention, with or without
controlling for alternative career intentions. There was some support for perceived behavioral
control as a predictor of intention, but less for moral obligation and identity. As hypothesised,
attitude was a stronger predictor of intention amongst the qualified respondents than the other
two groups. We conclude that the TPB is less effective for the bigger and harder-toimplement
decisions in life than for smaller and easier-to-implement ones. Also, the absolute
and relative importance of some TPB variables varies with personal circumstances.
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