BECKERS SIDE-BET THEORY OF COMMITMENT REVISITED - IS IT TIME FOR A MORATORIUM OR A RESURRECTION

The results of Cohen and Lowenberg's 1990 meta-analysis of 50 studies that empirically test Becker's (1960) side-bet model provide little em pirical support for his theory of commitment. They conclude that sever e limitations of past research, both in terms of measuring commitment and the strategies used to test the side-bet model, may be responsible for the lack of empirical support. Alternatively, they submit that if these methodological problems are not at fault, we should consider ab andoning the side-bet theory. Three limitations of past side-bet resea rch are addressed in this study. The results of this study suggest tha t it is time to resurrect Becker's side-bet theory of commitment. In d oing so, we should subject his theory to tests that employ more valid and direct measures of the side-bet variables, that use measures of co ntinuance commitment rather than affective commitment, and that apply to both organizational and occupational commitment.