Agency Theory

Question 1

Obedience:

Answer 1

To follow direct orders from an individual who is in a position of authority over us.

It is presumed that without this order, the behaviour would not have been carried out

Question 2

Autonomous State

Answer 2

Being under ones own control and having the power to make your own decisions

our behaviour is self directed

take responsibility for consequences

Question 3

Agentic State

Answer 3

Being under control of someone else and you will obey the orders even if it causes you distress

We absolve ourselves of responsibility believing we are action on someone else’s behalf

Blame for any negative consequence ultimately lies with authority figures

Question 4

moral strain

Answer 4

People become uncomfortable with their behaviour because they feel that it is wrong and goes against their values.

people may experience anxiety ( in Milgram study - sweating, nervous laughter)

Question 5

Agentic shift

Answer 5

When confronted by legitimate authority, we change from our normal autonomous state to the agentic state.