Theory of Planned Behavior/ Reasoned Action

Definition: The theory of planned behavior/ reasoned action is the idea that a person's behavior is heavily influenced and determined by their attitude towards the behavior/activity. Furthermore, the theory believes that behavior can be predicted by a person's intention as intention is a cognitive manifestation of how prepared someone is to complete a behavior. In addition, the manner in which a person perceives that people they care about are going to react to their behavior has a big influence on whether the behavior/action is carried out or not as well.

Application: This theory can be applied to community development work because social workers/social change agents should be aware of how folks may or may not feel about being involved in the project/organization that is being initiated. How a community will receive the community developer's PODS location is an important consideration, as well as considering what the community's relationship is like with other agencies. As a community developer, you will not only want the community to trust your initiative enough to use its service, but also trust it enough to get involved and have a stake in.

Adaptation: This theory can be adapted to all other disciplines besides social work or community development because assessing what motivates people to complete a behavior/action will increase the success of any initiative being taken. It would be helpful for people who are trying to increase awareness or participation in a cause.

Source: https://www.utwente.nl/cw/theorieenoverzicht/Theory%20clusters/Health%20Communication/theory_planned_behavior/