There was an interesting conversation that took place not long ago on HR Linked In, in which the following question was posted:

“Can changing a behavior really change an attitude? It's often said that changing a workplace behavior can be "easily" done through strong and immediately enforced incentives/disincentives. But does changing a behavior also result in a changed attitude? What do you do with an employee who's behavior has changed for the better but they still have a very "bad attitude" towards such things as racism, sexism, ageism, etc? Will this person change over time or will his/her continued attitude negatively infect others around them?” 

The feedback on the discussion seems to be wavering between whether behaviours change attitudes, or attitudes change behaviours. I think that attitudes are formed by one’s beliefs and these ultimately affect behaviours.

As an example, if you believe that your supervisor has no clue what you do on a day-to- day basis, you probably don’t have the best attitude toward him or her. Your poor attitude probably affects your behaviours and the way in which you do your work. You may speak poorly of your supervisor to peers; you may neglect certain tasks you have been asked to perform as you don’t personally see value in doing them.

But...and this is a big but...If communication channels were opened up and there was some effort by the supervisor to provide some background into what his/her experience is as it relates to your position (as an example) you may change your beliefs. This knowledge may very well change your attitude toward your supervisor. Maybe you will see that in fact, your supervisor has more of an awareness that you thought; and there is a ‘method to his madness’ so to speak. I'm using a supervisor in this instance but it can be at any level of the organization.  The point is, attitudes and behaviours can be positively or negatively impacted by the leadership.  Every individual has his or her own attitude - but appropriate behaviours can work toward improving attitudes.

Now, the more difficult question is around changing “attitudes” one has around racism, sexism, ageism, etc. Again, this is a belief system of some sort. You will never change everyone’s mindset; nor should that be your goal. At best, you may only be able to change the behaviour based on incentives/disincentives…and the attitude will remain. This is an area where I think some education must take place.  And, progressively, if those attitudes don't change via education and coaching, discipline may be the next choice.  I would recommend that you look to some of your human rights agencies as they often provide training and education in these areas at no cost.  Behaviours from the leadership comes into play here as well - get tough on these attitudes - they are not acceptable in today's world. Stand by your word in terms of dealing with them and possibly you will have some success in changing them.  Stories work well in terms of coaching...but change is definitely required. 

I think that it is incumbent upon the leadership in an organization to clearly identify acceptable and non-acceptable behaviours. With the right environment and proper education around some of the mis-guided beliefs that are out there; you may be able to adjust some attitudes.