agency theory Flashcards
1
Q
what does agency theory suggest?
A
humans have two mental states: autonomous and agentic
2
Q
what is the autonomous state?
A
when we perceive ourselves to be responsible for our own behaviour so we feel guilt for what we do
3
Q
what is the agentic state?
A
when 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.
4
Q
what are authority figures?
A
these people may carry symbols of authority (like a uniform) or possess status (like rank). An order from an authority figure triggers the agentic shift into the Agentic State.
5
Q
what is moral strain?
A
- when an authority figure issues an order that goes against our conscience, we experience moral strain.
- 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”).
6
Q
who proposed the agency theory?
A
milgram
