Agency theory Flashcards
What is obedience?
A form of social influence in which an individual follows a direct order. The person issuing the order is usually a figure of authority who has the power to punish when obedient behaviour is not forthcoming. There is usually the assumption that the person receiving the order is made to respond in a way they would not otherwise have done.
What is the autonomous state?
A mindset where we behave independently, make our own decisions about how to behave and take responsibility for the consequences of our actions
What is agentic state?
A mindset which allows us to carry out orders from an authority figure, even if they conflict our personal sense of right and wrong. We absolve ourselves of responsibility, believing that as we acting on someone else behalf, blame for any negative consequences lies with them.
What is the agentic shift?
The switch between the autonomous and agentic state that occurs when we perceive someone to be a legitimate source of authority and allow them to control our behaviour.
What is moral strain?
A state of mental discomfort or anxiety experienced in the agentic state when a person’s actions conflict with their personal morality
