Which Is It?
Chris had been Linda's boss for about six months.Recently, Linda had been recommending the firing of Charles, one of her own staff, for his repeated 'inability to get along with others.' Chris checked with Charles's co-workers and none of them supported Linda's contention.In addition, several of Linda's peers had met with Chris.Word of Charles's fate was getting out and they wanted to let Chris know that in the past, Linda had singled out other employees for persecution.When asked for specific problems with Charles, Linda mentioned that in addition to his attitude he had been late several times recently.Chris knew that Charles lived several miles away and that others had been late due to poor weather.Chris did not know whether he should support Linda, his manager, or hold off and not fire Charles.
-Refer to Which Is It? (Scenario).What factor of attribution theory was Chris concerned about when he found out that others besides Charles had been late to work because of the weather?
A)distinctiveness
B)seriousness
C)repetition
D)consistency
E)consensus

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Chris was concerned about the distinctiveness factor of attribution theory. He knew that Charles lived several miles away, and others had also been late due to poor weather. This suggests that the reason for Charles's lateness was not unique to him, but rather a situational factor affecting several people. Therefore, Chris was not sure whether Charles's lateness was a result of his own behavior or the situation he found himself in, which is the essence of the distinctiveness factor of attribution theory.

Which Is It? Chris Had Been Linda's Boss for About Six Months.Recently, Linda