Agency theory

Question 1

What is an autonomous state?

Answer 1

• In the Autonomous State we perceive ourselves to be responsible for our own behaviour so we feel guilt for what we do

Question 2

What is an agentic shift?

Answer 2

• In the Agentic State we perceive ourselves to be the agent of someone else’s will; the authority figure commanding us is responsible for what we do so we feel not guilt.

Question 3

What are authority figures?

Answer 3

• These people may carry symbols of authority (like a uniform) or possess status (like rank).

Question 4

What is moral strain?

Answer 4

• When an authority figure issues an order that goes against our conscience, we experience moral strain.
• This is because we have two contradictory urges: to obey the authority figure (and society’s expectations) and to obey our consciences (and keep our own self-image as “a good person”).